KINGY’S GLORY
VICTORY AT LAST ON THE WAVES
IT’S been a long time between drinks for the Kingscliff Boardriders Club but the Kingy crew have nailed it by registering their first win in 18 years at the Fishbowl Global Surftag event at Duranbah.
Kingscliff is world famous for … let’s see, the 80s Surfing Sunnyboys band led by Jeremy Oxley, an Australian schoolboys champion in his day. No prizes for guessing the most notable Kingscliff product – without question seven-times world champion Stephanie Gilmore.
There are lots of other hot surfers like Asher Pacey, Dean “Turbo” Bevan and Mitchell James, while Micah Margieson and Dane Henry are just two of the new generation hitting it up.
“We have a really strong younger generation coming through led by Micah and Dane as they have the results to show, but what the rest don’t see is the 40 or so groms who show up to Boardriders all ripping,” said James, the coach, captain and an active member of the winning side.
“The area is gradually growing and good surfers seem to be popping up everywhere and pushing each other.”
Organiser of the Fishbowl Global Surftag Queensland qualifier Steve Harrison applauded Kingscliff’s upset win.
“So good to see Kingscliff win their first Surftag title in 18 years and it just goes to show that anyone can win on their day especially in tag team surfing,” he said.
“To beat Snapper, Burleigh and D’Bah in pumping waves is massive and really puts Kingscliff in the mix to win an Australian championship.”
The D’Bah women’s team came away undefeated and will attempt to secure their fifth straight Australian title next month in Sydney.
The feat has never been achieved since Surftag started in 2001.
D’Bah will be up against North End, Cabarita, Burleigh Heads, North Narrabeen, Queenscliff, North Shelly and Werri Beach.
The women’s semi-finals are on May 10 followed by the four-team final on May 11.
In the men’s division, the Snapper Rocks Surfriders are out to defend their Australian title. They face stiff competition from last year’s runnersup Elouera Boardriders as well current NSW champions Maroubra United.
Kingscliff, Burleigh Heads, D’Bah, Palm Beach and Kirra clubs will also compete.