Bells Beach / Djarrk, Wadawurrung Country (Saturday, 28 May 2022): Day 2 of the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl and Headsox has been greeted with perfect waves in what was a massive day of surfing on Wadawurrung Country.
The Open Men hit the water for the first time of the event in the pristine 2-3ft conditions at Bells Beach / Djarrk.
Reigning event champion Finn Hill (Avoca, NSW), opened up his 2022 campaign with a solid win in round one. Finishing with a heat total of 10.74 (out of a possible 20), Hill progressed through to the Quarter Finals.
“This is one of my favorite places to come to in the world, it feels like a second home down here” said Hill.
“It was pretty lully out there today, but when the sets came they were really good. Im stoked we got some waves.”
“It’s such a great community around the whole event. A lot of us live in difference places around the country, so it’s incredible to catch up and celebrate together.”
One of the elder statesmen of the event, Russell Molony (North Shelly, NSW) was the inaugural winner in 2012 and is still taking it to the younger competitors.
“It was really hard to miss the last few years. To be back down here catching up with all the saltwater mob is so good.”
Molony progressed through to the Quarter Finals with a heat total of 13.10 points over Rohnin Henry-Micale (South Coast, NSW) and Leonard Rawlings (Gold Coast, QLD)
“Our elders have been here for thousands of years living off the ocean down here. It’s a really spiritual place and a special place that we all are so grateful for.”
Other standouts on the day included Brook Silvester (Gold Coast, QLD), Rhys Collins (Mornington peninsula, VIC), Landen Smales (Noosa, QLD) and Hunter Winkler (Coffs Harbour, NSW).
Finals day will be held tomorrow (Sunday) with a call to be made at 7.15am for an 7.30am start.
Live scores, video and photos for the event can be found at www.australianindigenoussurfingtitles.com
Event Dates:
May 27th – 29th , 2022
Bells Beach
The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles is presented by Rip Curl and supported by the Victorian Government, HeadSox, the Surf Coast Shire, Surfline Australia, VicHealth, Play it Safe by the Water, Wathaurong Cooperative, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Atmosphere Events, Surfing Australia, ONABAC, VACSAL, Strong Brother Strong Sister and Surfing Victoria.