Riptide Magazine

The Title Decider

Last Updated on Thursday, 04 November 2010 16:51

Local hope, Joe Clarke is number two on the Rebel Sport Pro Tour after winning the recent EBB Pro in WA. Photo // Surfing WA.

AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST CONTINGENT OF BODYBOARDERS ARRIVING ON THE GOLD COAST
Close to two hundred of Australasia’s best amateur bodyboarders have begun descending upon the Gold Coast for the 31st annual RAW National Bodyboarding Titles, which begins next Tuesday November 9.

The six day long event is the pinnacle of achievement for all aspiring amateur bodyboarders looking to make a name for themselves on the professional scene. Male and female riders are competing in over ten age divisions ranging from under 12’s to over 50’s, with the next crop of professional riders set to spawn from the finalists.

Whilst a win in any division is a feat, the ultimate prize of the championship is to win the open division, with only a select few being able to claim the prize.

Previous winners include World Champion Michael “Eppo” Eppelstun in 1994 and the sporting icon Steve “Bullet” MacKenzie in 1996.   The last few years have also seen the some amazing riders of the modern day sport take the mantel such as:  Jones Russell 2006, Alex Halsey 2007, Kristan Gerathy 2008 and Sam Bennett in 2009.

Towards the end of next week the RAW National Titles will combine with the final leg of the Rebel Sport Australasian Pro Tour, The Rebel Sport Pro. The Rebel Sport Pro Tour has traveled across the majority of Australia over the past 10 months with an aim of crowning the 2010 Australasian Pro Champion.

With a four star rating and 1250 points to the winner, the final event will come down to the wire with at least seven riders left in contention from the outset for the 2010 title, including: 
Dave Winchester   NSW 3300 points
Joe Clarke               QLD 2965 points
Michael Novy         QLD 2941 points
Chad Jackson         WA 2891  points
Jones Russell          NSW 2668 points
Daniel Worsley       Sth Africa 2583 points
Corey McLean        QLD 2465 points

However, the road to the top for these guys will be a challenge with best in the business set to take the stage including;  Ryan Hardy (WA) Mitch Rawlins (QLD) and Brad Hughes (WA).

The race for the Dropknee Title will be between Gal Larar (Israel) and Glen Sullivan (NSW) whilst the women’s race is being lead by Tasmania’s Nicole Fleming with Lauren Fletcher and Lilly Pollard in close proximity to take a win. Both Nicole and Lilly have been recent Pro Tour champions, but Lauren Fletcher has made an amazing comeback to competition after being crowned Aussie champ over a decade ago.

General Manager of IBA Australasia Terry McKenna is ecstatic with how this year’s tour has played out. “We have had good waves at every event, the best riders in Australia have supported the tour and we have once again proven that the Australian domestic circuit is the best in the world” said McKenna.

The event will also be web-cast on the final weekend at www.ibaaustralasia.com/live