November 1 - 30, 2025: Issue 648

 

Australian Boardriders Battle Narrabeen Qualifier: 8 Teams into Final

Narrabeen Beach, NSW Saturday, November 8th, 2025
Report: by Surfing Australia
Photos: Andrew Christie/Surfing Australia

Avoca Boardriders Club has claimed victory at the Central NSW leg of the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Regional Series, taking down some of the country’s best clubs in the tightest battles of the season thus far.

The one-day qualifier brought together 17 of Central NSW's best boardrider clubs, each showcasing exceptional depth and determination. 

The clubs represented were: 

  1. Newport Plus
  2. Dee Why Surf Fraternity
  3. Freshwater BRC
  4. Curl Curl United BR Assoc'
  5. Avoca Boardriders Club (ABC)
  6. Queenscliff BRC
  7. Mereweather Surfboard Club
  8. Catho Boardriders Club
  9. NHSF - Norah Head
  10. North Steyne BRC
  11. North Shelly BRC
  12. North Avalon Surfriders Assoc (NASA)
  13. East End Boardriders
  14. North Narrabeen BRC
  15. Bungan BRC
  16. Long Reef SRA
  17. Mona Vale Boardriders

The line-up was absolutely stacked with World Championship Tour surfers, rising stars and local heroes, as North Narrabeen beach served up consistent 2-3ft peelers down the bank.

The final saw past national champions Avoca BRC and North Narrabeen BRC, hit the water with Queenscliff BRC and Freshwater BRC. As the tide dropped out, and the surf packed more punch, our finalists got to work. Queenscliff and North Narrabeen were neck and neck all heat, until Avoca BRC power-surfer Caleb Tancred dropped a 7.13 point ride in the dying minutes to jump his team from third to first and take the win!

Lennox Chell from Avoca BRC, couldn't be prouder of the club and is excited to compete in Burleigh for the 2026 ABB Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance: 

“It feels amazing to take the win here today. We’ve had such a good year as a club, this group is incredible. It’s our first time winning the regional qualifier, so hopefully we can carry that momentum through to the final in Burleigh and chase our second national title.

It’s always a team effort, but Caleb Tancred was definitely the hero today with that clutch 7.13 in the final. We were all telling him to stick to the lefts, but he wanted to go right, so I’m glad he stuck to his guns."

The Jim Beam Team Spirit Award went to North Narrabeen Boardriders, whose consistent cheers overpowered the PA speakers. North Narrabeen powerhouse and ex World Championship Tour surfer, Nathan Hedge, was thrilled to compete on home soil and make it to the finals:

"It's been an epic day, it was good to put on a show for the region's finest talent and compete at home. This NE swell provided fun waves all day long. Now we shift our focus to Burleigh Heads!"

Queenscliff BRC were consistent all day long, lead by power surfer Winter Vincent who took home the Celsius Overall Performer Award, recognising his pivotal role in their path to the finals.

Among the standout performances was Jordy Lawler (North Narrabeen BRC), who claimed the Boost Mobile Wave of the Day Award with a 9.50 point ride in the semi-final, showcasing precision, style, and control at Narrabeen's iconic left handers. 

The top eight clubs from the event have now earned their place at the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance, set to take place at Burleigh Heads on 7–8 March 2026.

 Avoca Boardriders emerge victorious. Credit: Andrew Christie / Surfing Australia

Central NSW Qualifying Boardrider Clubs:

  • Avoca Boardriders Club: Lennox Chell, Caleb Tancred, Noah Hartney, Dane Atcheson and Tahlia Hurst
  • Freshwater Boardriders Club: Lex Oconnor, Tom Myers, Layne Beachly, Sam Brown and Flynn O'Connor
  • North Avalon Surfriders Association: Shane Carroll, Fraser Dovell, Bodhi Leigh-Jones, Arch Whiteman and Kaoni Aguiar
  • Newport Plus: Rene Galloway, Dyl Fawle, Danny Asmus, Tom Hook and Yana Marks
  • Queenscliff Boardriders Club: Samson Coulter, Winter Vincent, Austin Ware, Georgie May Hicks and Jordi Bray
  • North Narrabeen Boardriders Club: Nathan Hedge, Jordy Lawler, Dylan Moffat, Jagger Phillips and Elle Northy
  • Bungan Boardriders Club: Darcy Crump, Milla Brown, Luca Elder, Max White and Phil Hoile
  • North Steyne Boardriders Club: Blake Levett, George Pittar, Dayyan Neve, Izzy Higgs and Eden Alker

Specialty Awards:

Celsius Overall Performer: Winter Vincent (Queenscliff BRC)

Boost Mobile Wave of the Day: Jordy Lawler (North Narrabeen BRC)

Jim Beam Team Spirit Award: North Narrabeen BRC

For full results, head to LiveHeats

2025/26 ABB Regional Qualifier Schedule

  • WA – Trigg Point – September 13, 2025
  • VIC – Phillip Island – October 5, 2025
  • QLD – Sunshine Coast – October 11, 2025
  • SA – Fleurieu Peninsula – October 18, 2025
  • TAS – Scamander – October 25,2025
  • NSW South – Cronulla (new) – November 1, 2025
  • NSW Central – North Narrabeen – November 8, 2025
  • NSW North – Coffs Harbour – November 15, 2025

Full schedule, dates and further info: www.australianboardridersbattle.com

George Pittar for North Steyne Boardriders Club. Sequence Credit: Andrew Christie / Surfing Australia

About the Australian Boardriders Battle

The Australian Boardriders Battle is Australia’s biggest grassroots surfing series, involving over 80 boardrider clubs in eight state qualifying rounds before culminating in the epic Grand Final showdown. The event has been instrumental in strengthening club culture, fostering future champions, and celebrating Australia’s deep connection with surfing. The 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Series is proudly supported by NRMA Insurance, ACCIONA, Jim Beam, Celsius Energy Drinks, Kennards Hire, Boost Mobile, BC™ Protein Snacks, BLACKROLL, Zuum Energy Gum and Surfers for Climate.

The 2026 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

About Australian Boardrider clubs

There are more than 250 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads. The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a significant contribution to the nation's competitive success on the global stage, fostering close-knit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to becoming the next world champions.

For more information, visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com