Byron Bay Boardriders continue strong national run with Gold Coast result

BYRON Bay Boardriders have continued their strong national form with a runner up finish at the Australian Boardriders Battle on the Gold Coast.

Former world tour surfers Soli Bailey and Kieren Perrow helped lead the team’s campaign alongside rising talents Leihani Zoric and Dakoda Walters.

It marked the second consecutive year the club had reached the national final after winning the title in Newcastle in 2023.

The Australian Boardriders Battle brings together 42 of the country’s leading clubs, including surfers with experience on the world’s top professional tours.

The Byron Bay club has more than 200 members and maintains strong ties to its long standing surfing community, with experienced competitors remaining involved while younger athletes emerge through the ranks.

Club president Neil Cameron said the balance of experience and youth had helped shape a strong culture within the organisation.

“We’ve created something in Byron Bay that people can be really proud of,” Cameron said.

“We do a lot of work and help people in the community who are doing it tough, but that isn’t something we seek recognition for. I see it as part of our duty.

“We’re blessed to have a great group of sponsors which helps us compete at national events and we have a lot of young talent coming through.”

Cameron said Zoric was among the club’s brightest prospects following strong performances against older competitors.

“Leihani is surfing well beyond her years and already mixing it with the open women,” he said.

“I think she had the highest women’s heat score at the event last year when she was only 12.

“I’m pretty certain she’ll make a career out of surfing and I know she’s aiming for the Olympics, whether that’s the next one or the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

“She’s really strong mentally and has the surfing smarts as well as the ability, which is probably the most impressive thing.”

The club will next compete at the Kirra Teams Challenge and the Stradbroke Invitational, with a number of junior events also scheduled throughout the year.