The 2024 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl concluded today at Djarrak / Bells Beach, with Landon Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD) making history by dropping two perfect 10 point rides on his way to claiming victory in both the Mens Longboard and Junior Boys divisions. This event, spanning three days, was a vibrant mix of competition and cultural celebration, showcasing the top Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surfers from across Australia.

The Open Mens Division kicked off the day in pristine 3 – 4 ft waves at Bells Beach, with the early morning sun shining on the competitors. Russ Molony (Central Coast, NSW) started at the Bowl, locking into a couple of swooping carves to receive a 4.17 point ride. Otis Carey (Suffolk Park, NSW) set the pace early in the final with a powerful 7.00 point ride at Rincon. The competitors then switched positions, with three heading to the Bowl and Russ moving to Rincon.

Jordie Campbell (Torquay) made his presence felt with a clean combination of backhand snaps. Being the only goofy-footer in the final, he provided a point of difference in his surfing, scoring a 5.67 point ride. Carey extended his lead further with an impressive 8.00 point ride, showcasing his speed and control. Campbell also found a solid second wave, scoring a 6.33 point ride, which moved him into second place but was not enough to overtake Carey.

Under the 10 minute mark, Molony used his priority to rip into a set wave, airdropping out of a critical snap to score a 7.43 point ride, giving him a shot at the lead. He quickly returned to the lineup and picked up another wave, taking it all the way to the rocks to score a 6.83 and move into second place. However, as the seconds ticked down, no one could find the right wave to overtake Carey, who won with a combined total of 15.00 points. Molony came in second with 14.26 points, followed by John Craig (Newcastle, NSW) and Campbell placing third and fourth.

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Photo credit: @surfingvictoria / @moshxmedia