Kiama Down’s Jones Beach Boardriders placed second overall at the inaugural Surfing State of Origin event held in Burleigh Heads last weekend.

The club was selected to compete as one of the top eight in the state, after their strong performance at the National Australian Boardriders Battle in February.

Four surfers from 16 boardrider clubs with New South Wales and rival Queensland battled it out in their respective divisions.

Though the maroon-coloured state was named the overall champion, Jones Beach Boardriders showcased their talent with individual heat results landing them second on the leaderboard. 

“Our Club scored the highest wave totals and did the best in the heats,” says committee member Frances Woods.

The club was represented by Matt Thompson in the Masters division, Oceanna Rogers in Open Womens, Lennix Smith in Open Mens and Dayan Conti in Under 18s, with Geoff Latimer as manager.

“Out of the top eight highest scoring waves, Oceanna and Matt surfed three of them which is amazing,” Frances says.

Lennix Smith in action at the National Australian Boardriders Battle Final (Bob Willetts Photography)

“A lot of the teams had surfers who compete in championships against professional surfers, so for a club like ours to come second overall against those strong clubs is such an achievement.”

Frances is certain the future of the Club is strong after young members Erin Willets, Dayan Conti, Alice Hodgson and Boey Grey won their age divisions at the Ocean and Earth South Coast Junior Regional Titles in Kiama last month. 

“It’s the culture of our club that enables us to be so successful,” Frances says.

“With over 170 members, it’s all about creating that fun community environment and love of the ocean.

“It is that atmosphere that makes people want to return and it provides them a pathway to competitive surfing.”

Frances says the club is looking to have a strong showing in the Australian Boardriders Battle again this year and hope to make a reappearance in the finals.

“We will continue to help those who want to develop their skills so we can keep performing at this level against the other boardrider clubs in Australia,” she says.

Keen surfers can join the Jones Beach Boardriders Club via liveheats.com/jbb