May 30, 2022

Jaz McCorquodale and Finn Hill go back to back

Bells Beach / Djarrk, Wadawurrung Country (Sunday, 29 May 2022): Former Champions Jaz McCorquodale (Central Coast / Darkinjung, NSW) and Finn Hill (Central Coast / Darkinjung, NSW) have gone back to back and claimed the 2022 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach / Djarrk today on Wadawurrung Country.

Perfect conditions greeted competitors on the final day with a clean 2-3ft swell wrapping into the culturally significant beach.

Also claiming the Open Women’s Longboard title, Jaz McCorquodale looked unstoppable until a last minute when Summer Simon (Gold Coast, QLD) made one last push in the final 2 minutes of the final, briefly taking the lead.

However McCorquodale found a final wave on the siren to re-take the lead with an 8.27 point ride. She finished on a heat total of 17.27 (out of a possible 20) to Simon’s 16.20 heat total.

“I’m so stoked. I’m so glad we got some waves to showcase how amazing we surf as a culture and as a group” said McCorquodale.

“There was a definitely a hole in my surfing heart the last few years when we weren’t able to come down to Bells. It’s always a special event to come down to as we are all like family.”

“It’s one of the events where everyone comes together as one and to be able to surf on Wadawurrung Country is incredible.”

Finishing in third place was Meg Day (Kadina, SA) on 12.03 points with Bohdie Simon (Gold Coast, QLD) in fourth on 8.33 points.

In the Open Men’s final, Noah Munro (Nora Head, NSW) came out swinging with a 7.33 score, however Finn Hill fired back locking in a heat total of 14.23 points. Munro finished on a heat total of 13.26 points.

“It’s such an honor to win again down here” said Hill. “This year was some of the best surfing I have seen at this event, every heat I was in was stacked!”

“Being able to surf against guys like Russ Molony is amazing. I have so much respect for the older guys and what they have done for us younger surfers.”

“It’s really special to represent my heritage at this event. It’s such a strong community and a special way to celebrate it.”

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