NSW surfers dominate Indigenous Titles

A PAIR of New South Wales surfers have claimed this weekend’s Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach.

Woolongong teenager Rohnin Henry-Micale and Port Kembla’s Summer Simon were crowed Australian champions after taking out the premier open men and women divisions.

The men’s final saw a number of lead changes, but it was 17-year-old Henry-Micale who finished in front, locking in a heat total of 14.33.

“I’m feeling good — this is the first event I have ever won, so I’m stoked,” HenryMicale said.

“It’s rare to get Bells with not many people out so it’s awesome to surf here in the event. It’s just great to meet so many new people and catch up with friends down here that you don’t see very often.”

Finishing in second was Taj Simon, 14 (Port Kembla, NSW) who earlier in the day claimed the junior boys’ div- ision. Simon finished on a heat total of 12.34 points in the open men’s final.

Meanwhile, Summer Simon again dominated the female divisions at the event by claiming the open women and junior girls divisions.

“This is my fourth year here now, it’s such a culturally significant place and being able to surf Bells with just a few other people is amazing,” she said. “There is always a new story to tell and listen to when you are down here for the event. I am just stoked to win again.”

Simon finished on a heat total of 9.14 points in the open women’s Final.

Placing second in the open women’s was Jalaan Slabb (Fingal, NSW) with Bohdie Simon (Port Kembla, NSW) and Amber Harrison (Lakes Entrance, VIC) in third and fourth.

Slabb also finished in second in the junior girls with Harrison and Bohdie Simon in third and fourth.