Champions crowned at Para Surfing Titles

AUSTRALIA’S top adaptive surfers battled it out in Byron Bay last week, with 12 national champions crowned at the Australian Para Surfing Titles.

Athletes delivered elite performances in small conditions at Front Beach, in an event that showcased skill, determination and rising competition levels.

The PS-Prone 2 men’s final was strongly contested with four New South Welshmen battling for the title.

In the end, it was Lee Ferrier who emerged victorious and earned a spot on Team Australia for the ISA World Para Surfing Championship.

“It feels amazing to have qualified to represent Team Australia at the ISA Worlds! I don’t know what to say — it’s such a great honour,” Ferrier said.

Four-time world para surfing champion Sam Bloom took home another victory in the PS-Prone 1 women’s final. Bloom was at her best during the heat, putting up a strong competitive total to oust her fellow competitor Grace Kennedy (New South Wales).

“This was the biggest Aussie Titles competition we’ve ever had. There were so many newbies here, it’s super unreal!”

Five-time World Adaptive Surfing Champion Jocelyn Neumueller delivered a strong performance in the PS-Prone 2 women’s final, securing the win over fellow South Australian Annie Goldsmith.

“In general, the level of surfing is rising from contest to contest, year to year. It’s so good to see Australia at the forefront, pushing the level of surfing. So, to everyone — keep testing, keep trying, keep pushing the level of adaptive surfing.”

Other divisional winners included Mark “Mono” Stewart (PS-Kneel Men), Jake Matthews (PS-S2 and PS-S3 Men), Kai Coless (PS-Prone 1 Men), Michael Johnson (PS-Sit Men), Kirk Watson (PS-VI1 Men), Sarah Gibson (PS-VI2 Women), Victoria Prendergast (PS-Kneel Women), and Jack Jackson (PS-VI2 Men).