The 2024 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl concluded today at Djarrak / Bells Beach, with Landon Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD) making history by dropping two perfect 10 point rides on his way to claiming victory in both the Mens Longboard and Junior Boys divisions. This event, spanning three days, was a vibrant mix of competition and cultural celebration, showcasing the top Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surfers from across Australia.
The Open Mens Division kicked off the day in pristine 3 – 4 ft waves at Bells Beach, with the early morning sun shining on the competitors. Russ Molony (Central Coast, NSW) started at the Bowl, locking into a couple of swooping carves to receive a 4.17 point ride. Otis Carey (Suffolk Park, NSW) set the pace early in the final with a powerful 7.00 point ride at Rincon. The competitors then switched positions, with three heading to the Bowl and Russ moving to Rincon.
Jordie Campbell (Torquay) made his presence felt with a clean combination of backhand snaps. Being the only goofy-footer in the final, he provided a point of difference in his surfing, scoring a 5.67 point ride. Carey extended his lead further with an impressive 8.00 point ride, showcasing his speed and control. Campbell also found a solid second wave, scoring a 6.33 point ride, which moved him into second place but was not enough to overtake Carey.
Under the 10 minute mark, Molony used his priority to rip into a set wave, airdropping out of a critical snap to score a 7.43 point ride, giving him a shot at the lead. He quickly returned to the lineup and picked up another wave, taking it all the way to the rocks to score a 6.83 and move into second place. However, as the seconds ticked down, no one could find the right wave to overtake Carey, who won with a combined total of 15.00 points. Molony came in second with 14.26 points, followed by John Craig (Newcastle, NSW) and Campbell placing third and fourth.
“It was nice to be here with everybody from all the other countries around Australia and surf,” said Carey.
“The waves were really good; they were a bit slow, but when they came in, they were perfect bowls. We’ve been really blessed today with waves. It’s been a really fun, beautiful morning,” continued Carey.
“Winning is just a plus; for me, winning is being here with everybody, so to take it out is just an extra little bonus!”
Landon Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD) showcased his exceptional talent at Bells Beach / Djarrak during the Mens Longboard and Junior Boys divisions, delivering standout performances. In the Open Mens Longboard semi-final, Smales chose the Rincon walls to demonstrate his skills. Utilizing the entire length of his board, he walked up and back between the nose and the tail multiple times before executing huge drop knee carves to score a perfect 10 point ride. This gave him a convincing win and momentum heading into the final.
Before competing in the longboard final, Smales switched to his shortboard for the Junior Boys final. Incorporating his longboard style, Smales flowed seamlessly through the Rincon walls again. To compete with other talented surfers, Smales tapped into the innovative side of the shortboard criteria. Taking off on a critical section, he built up speed before launching into a huge lofty air reverse. Earning his second 10 point ride of the day and an 18.00 combined point total, Smales secured his first win and also the Surf Better Now Wave of the Day.
Charlie Chisolm (Torquay, VIC) placed second on 12.13 points with Seth Baillie (SA) and Rylee Duell (Phillip Island, VIC) coming in third and fourth.
Smales went on to dominate the longboard final against Ben Cole (Yamba, NSW), Rhys Collins (Red Hill, VIC), and his brother, Kaiden Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD). Despite the strong performances from his competitors, including an 8.13 point ride from Kaiden, Landon’s consistency won him the final convincingly with a combined heat total of 17.57 points. Kaiden placed second with 15.46 points, followed by Cole and Collins.
“For my first 10 on the longboard, the wave was just perfect and gave me so many opportunities to nose ride and carve my way through,” said Smales.
“In the shortboard, that 10 was pretty sick too. The wave also gave me so many opportunities, and I got to tee off some sick snaps and then finish with a big air,” he added.
“It was amazing being down here; we got to score some pumping Bells, and it’s my favourite event to come down to. It was good surfing on the longboard and then being able to surf on the shorty too!”
In the Womens Longboard division, the final was a fun-filled 35 minute heat with six competitors ripping into Rincon walls. The surfers traded waves, showcasing their skills and camaraderie. As the heat came to a close, Mali Legge (NSW) looked solid with a 6.33 point ride. However, in the final minute, Jessi Muir (Jan Juc, VIC) backed up an earlier 7.50 point ride with a 4.17 to take the lead and win the final.
Placing second was Legge, with Missy McArther (Mullaway, NSW) and Elly Muir (Jan Juc, VIC) coming in third and fourth.
“I saw Mali getting so many waves, so I thought she was going to take it out. It was definitely a shock to me,” said Muir.
“It’s so good surfing with all the girls; the energy is always fun and supportive. We just love each other, so we want to go out there, have fun, and make sure everyone gets a wave,” she continued.
“I can surf any conditions with them out there and have a good time!”
Other division winners included Ocea Curtis (Lennox Heads, NSW, Open Women/Junior Girls), Lee Winkler (Coffs Harbour, NSW, Masters Mens) and Brook Silvester (Tugun, NSW, Over 50 Men).
Finals Results:
Open Men
1st – Otis Carey (Suffolk Park, NSW), 15.00
2nd – Russ Molony (Central Coast, NSW), 14.26
3rd – John Craig (Newcastle, NSW), 11.90
4th – Jordie Campbell (Torquay), 11.60
Open Women
1st – Ocea Curtis (Lennox Head, NSW), 9.47
2nd – Bohdi Simons (Coolangatta, QLD), 8.83
3rd – Meg Day (Moonta, SA), 7.33
4th – Kauri Heuston-Connor (Reedy Creek, QLD), 6.27
Mens Longboard
1st – Landon Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD), 17.57
2nd – Kaiden Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD), 15.46
3rd – Rhys Collins (Red Hill, VIC), 11.77
4th – Ben Cole (Yamba, NSW), 9.27
Womens Longboard
1st – Jessi Muir (Jan Juc, VIC), 11.67
2nd – Mali Legge (NSW), 11.50
3rd – Missy McArther (Mullaway, NSW), 7.70
4th – Elly Muir (Jan Juc, VIC), 6.16
Masters Men
1st – Lee Winkler (Coffs Harbour, NSW), 13.46
2nd – John Craig (Newcastle, NSW), 12.76
3rd – Anthony Hume (Torquay, VIC), 11.00
4th – Glenn Curtis (Lennox Head, NSW), 4.67
Junior Boys
1st – Landon Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD), 18.00
2nd – Charlie Chisolm (Torquay, VIC), 12.13
3rd – Seth Baillie (SA), 8.57
4th – Rylee Duell (Phillip Island, VIC), 7.97
Junior Girls
1st – Ocea Curtis (Lennox Head, NSW), 13.67
2nd – Kauri Heuston-Connor (Reedy Creek, QLD), 13.50
3rd – Bohdi Simons (Coolangatta, QLD), 11.00
4th – Matilda Thearle (Woolooware, NSW), 4.40
Over 50 Men
1st – Brook Silvester (Tugun, NSW), 13.00
2nd – Jay McKenzie (Cronulla, NSW), 9.60
3rd – Glenn Curtis (Lennox Head, NSW), 9.33
4th – Alfred Wellington (Orient Point, NSW), 8.33
Live scores and schedule can be found via australianindigenoussurfingtitles.com
The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles is presented by Rip Curl and Headsox and supported by the Victorian Government, Surf Coast Events, VicHealth, Surfing Australia, Play it Safe by the Water, Waddawurrung Traditional Owners, Indigi-Print, Jessi Rebel Art, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Feed Me Surf Coast and Surf Better Now.