Some of Western Australia's best and most exciting bodyboarders were on display in Mandurah over the weekend with seven champions crowned at one of Australia's most iconic bodyboarding locations, with high-flying aerial antics highlighting the opening event of the 2019 State Title Series.
Margaret River's Ziggy Bullock proved he's a star on the rise taking out a tightly contested Under-18 junior boy's division.
Bullock, the 2018 Under-14 Australian Champion found the steepest and most wedgey sections to finish in first ahead of Kael McGowan (Dawesville) and Max McGregor (Margaret River).
"That was a super close finish and I'm glad we've got some waves," Bullock said.
"I encourage everyone to get involved in the next event in my hometown of Margaret River."
George Humphreys stole the show in the open men's division, scoring the events only perfect 10-point ride on route to the finals and used his home ground advantage to perfection, winning the final ahead of 2018 state champion Ben Veitch (Margaret River), Brendan Gabel (Scarborough) and Davis Blackwell (Dawesville) who finished second, third and fourth respectively.
Humphreys, the 2012 open men's state champion boosted a massive flip and busted a clean reverse to post a combined two wave-total of 13.33 (from a possible 20) to edge out Veitch by just 0.20 when the siren sounded.
"I am so stoked, I haven't won a comp for a while and it's sick to be back where it all started," Humphreys said.
I'm so stoked, I haven't won a comp for a while and it's sick to be back where it all started. Bodyboarding has given me so many amazing opportunities and I encourage all these groms to stick with it and thanks to Surfing WA for all they've done for me over the years.
- George Humphreys
"Bodyboarding has given me so many amazing opportunities and I encourage all these groms to stick with it and thanks to Surfing WA for all they have done for me over the years."
Kael McGown (Dawesville) was another Peel local to benefit from local knowledge at Mandurah Wedge, winning the Under-16 Cadet Boys division. McGowan spent more time in the water than anyone this weekend and the time paid off as he picked up the Air Asia Air of the Day for a massive invert.
"I love the waves here and it's been a super comp," McGowan said.
"I'd like to thank all the boys and my parents for their support."
"There are very few locations where you can be so close to the action. Guys are getting barrelled and boosting massive airs only meters away from you," Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks said.
"There's water and mist flying everywhere. The natural amphitheatre here creates an atmosphere in the water and on the rocks that you don't get at many places."
FORECAST: There's a rising 2m swell on Thursday with clean SE winds while Friday looks all time with E winds and a solid 2.3m swell. Saturday looks good with a 1.7m swell and more E winds while Sunday has a 1.5m groundswell with NE winds.
It's going to be a great run of waves.
