Longboard titles return to Tweed Coast

THE Australian Longboard Titles have returned to the Tweed Coast, bringing more than 300 surfers from across the country for six days of competition.

The event runs through to July 27, with heats scheduled across beaches from Duranbah in the north to Hastings Point in the south.

Winners of the open men’s and women’s divisions will earn selection in the Irukandjis, Australia’s national surfing team, for next year’s International Surfing Association World Longboard Championship.

Fifteen-time Australian champion Jason Livingston, from North Curl Curl in NSW, is among the favourites and will defend his over-50 and over-55 titles.

“I love surfing right-hand point breaks, and Cabarita is a gem,” Livingston said.

He said the Tweed Coast’s warm water, consistent waves and good weather made it the perfect battleground.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with my fellow competitors and friends from around the country — and having a crack at defending my Aussie titles.”

Clinton Guest, from Bokarina in Queensland, is competing in his 18th consecutive Australian Surf Championship after finishing ninth at this year’s ISA World Longboard Championship in El Salvador.

Guest said representing Australia on the world stage and posting the highest wave score of the event was a career highlight.

“It was really special, and the memories will last a lifetime,” he said.

“I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of surfing different locations against some of the best surfers in Australia and around the world.

“I’ve been refining my equipment and training hard since last year, so I’m excited to see where things land, especially with the WSL Longboard Tour events on the horizon.”

Other competitors include defending open men’s champion Josh Constable from Noosa Heads, who will also line up in the over-40 division, and Kingscliff local Tony Abood, the reigning over-65 men’s champion.

Divisions range from under-18 to over-70, with the oldest competitor aged 80.

Surfers have travelled from every state, including South Australia’s John Amos, who has driven more than 2000 kilometres to take part.

Surfing Australia contest director Glen Elliott said the event captured the roots of the sport, combining tradition with elite competition.

The competition, now the longest-running on the Australian surfing calendar, is being held on Bundjalung Country and continues to draw surfers back each year for its mix of rivalry, tradition and camaraderie.