Tweed Coast to attract hundreds of surfers for Australia’s longest-running title event

THE Tweed Coast is set to host more than 200 competitors with rising stars and national champions converging for the Thermos Australian Longboard Titles.

It will be held from 24–30 July with mobile locations between Duranbah Beach and Hastings Point, with competition sites selected each day to suit the best surf conditions.

The event is Australia’s longest-running surfing championship and will feature competitors from under-18s through to over-70s.

The winners of the open men and women’s divisions will earn selection in Australia’s national surfing team, the Irukandjis, and qualify for the ISA World Longboard Championships.

Defending open champions Emma Perrier and Josh Constable headline the field after claiming national titles last year.

“Being a defending champion doesn’t mean too much when there are so many amazing women surfing and it feels like each year everyone is getting better and better,”Perrier said.

“I’ll just keep doing my thing and hopefully can do well again.

“The atmosphere is always really special. It’s cool to represent your state and have everyone behind you. It’s different to other competitions.”

Constable will also be chasing history alongside his son, Jive, who is competing in the under-18 division.

The pair are aiming to become the first father and son to simultaneously hold Australian open and under-18 longboard titles.

“These events are really special because I get to travel with my wife, Anna, and watch my son Jive compete in the under-18s and chase his goal of becoming Australian junior champion,” Constable said.

“Hopefully I can defend my open title and, together, we can become the first father and son to hold the Australian open and under-18 titles at the same time.”

Clinton Guest will celebrate his 20th nationals appearance this year, while Gold Coast siblings Luana and Hosea Silva will again compete side by side.

“Returning as the defending Under-18 Women’s Australian Champion definitely brings a bit of extra pressure, but it’s also a great opportunity to prove myself again and hopefully back up last year’s result,” Luana said.