Gracetown surfer Dave Macaulay has become WA's first ever World Surf League World Champion, after claiming victory in the Azores Airlines World Masters Championship held at Praia De Santa Barbara in Sao Miguel on the Azores Islands late last week.
Macaulay won the hotly contested men's Master's division, joining Rob Bain (NSW) and Layne Beachley (NSW) in a clean sweep of the event for Australian surfers.
A WSL Specialty Event, the Azores Airlines World Masters Championship was treated to an abundance of swell and great performances by some of the legends of surfing from past generations.
Long regarded as one of WA's very best competitive surfers, Macaulay was able to live out his dream by securing his maiden WSL World Championship with victory over another top former professional Shane Beschen (HAW).
Macaulay got off to a great start during the Master's final and looked fired up, scouring the lineup to find the gems and continuously improving on his scores to impose a big requirement on his opponent.
With a couple of seven point plus rides under his belt, Macaulay remained out of reach for the Hawaiian and the two-time former world number three claimed his first World Title as the oldest competitor in the Master's division.
“I never dreamed this would happen,” Macaulay stated.
“I was so stoked for Bainy but I couldn’t get too emotional cause I had that heat right after his.
“It’s been an unbelievable week, we’ve had an absolute ball. The people here were so friendly and it’s so beautiful, I’d come back for a holiday any day.
“I’ve had a very fortunate life, being able to keep surfing after the tour, all my kids surf and it’s just insane.”
Macaulay was one of the strongest competitors all week, putting on big performances alongside fellow West Australian Jake Paterson (Yallingup, WA), who he defeated in the quarter-finals.
"It feel amazing to be WA's first WSL World Champion, it's always an honour to fly the flag for WA and it felt so special to have a man on man heat with Jake Pato, as it was only the second time we've had the opportunity in our careers," said Macaulay.
"The first time was back in 1990 at the Margaret River Masters when Jake beat me at just 17 years of age, so I guess that is two upsets 28 years apart."
"We'd like to congratulate Dave on his epic result and for proving that surfing is a life long pursuit," said Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks.
"Dave won his first World Championship Tour event in Brazil back in 1986 and all these years on he's now a World Champion.
“It's an amazing achievement for a guy who has accomplished so much across all levels of our wonderful sport, well done Maca."
More recently Macaulay has found a passion for shaping surfboards as well as travelling the planet coaching his daughter Bronte, who is now into her second year on the WSL Women's Championship Tour.
"I love creating something with my own hands that all can enjoy," said Macaulay.
"What is most satisfying is seeing the smile on faces of people from all ages ripping on one of my shapes, it gives you a kind of warm fuzzy feeling inside."
For more information on the Azores Airlines World Masters Championship, including all results, photos, video highlights and press releases head to www.worldsurfleague.com
