Champions Crowned Across All Divisions at the 2026 Thermos Australian Longboard Titles on the Tweed Coast!

CABARITA, NSW (July 30th, 2026): The 2026 Thermos Australian Longboard Titles have concluded on the Tweed Coast, with Australian Champions crowned across every division from Under 18s through to Over 70s!

Following an exciting opening weekend that saw Josh Constable (QLD) and Luana Matthies (QLD) claim the Open Men’s & Women’s Australian Titles and earn selection into The Irukandjis (Australia’s National Surfing Team), attention turned to the Masters divisions, where the country’s most experienced longboarders put on a memorable week of competition.

Over four days, competitors in the Over 40, Over 50, Over 55, Over 60, Over 65 and Over 70 divisions showcased the longevity of Australian longboarding talent. Dreamy conditions on the Tweed Coast treated our competitors, who rose to the occasion, demonstrating that longboarding excellence knows no age!

Angela King (VIC) spent much of her junior career competing in longboarding events, but it was watching her daughter compete in the Under-18 division that inspired her to pull the competition jersey back on.

Her goal was simple: to surf alongside her daughter and show her that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. What started as a way to lead by example quickly turned into a remarkable result, with Angela going on to claim theTasman Holiday Parks Over-40 Women’s Australian Longboard Title after a dominant finals performance!

“It was so exciting to win the Over-40 Women’s this year. I’ve never done it before — it’s my first year in the division! I used to compete when I was younger, and this year I came back to give it a go because my daughter was in the Under-18s and I wanted to surf with her.

It’s been really amazing at the event this year. Coming up from Victoria, obviously it’s a lot colder down there at the moment and the waves are a lot stronger. I actually grew up in Byron Bay, and it’s a place still really close to my heart, so it’s been amazing to have my family here during the whole event.

Team Victoria is so supportive. They’re behind you every day and they turn up to every heat. I’ve been really impressed with the team aspect. It’s been really cool. Everyone here is really passionate and they really care about each other, which has been really lovely to be a part of.”

At 70 and beyond, surfing continues to prove that the passion for competition has no age limit. The Over-70 Men’s division celebrates surfers who continue to challenge themselves, stay active and compete at the highest level of their age group.

Defending champion John Haddow (Cowaramup, WA)returned to this year’s Australian Longboard Titles, carrying not only decades of experience but also the memory of his granddaughter Nina, who tragically passed away with childhood brain cancer in 2025.

Speaking about his loss, Haddow has shared how his granddaughter’s passing has given his surfing even greater meaning, with the ocean providing a place to honour her memory and continue doing something he loves. Haddow went back-to-back, taking out the Over 70 Men’s Australian Longboard Title, sharing a powerful reminder that surfing can provide purpose, connection and strength through some of life’s most difficult moments.

“Can’t believe I’ve just won the Over-70s Australian Title! Unbelievable. Second year in a row, you know? 

We want to be able to do some work for cancer now. That’s what it’s all about. That’s why I’m here. But I’m driven by the death of my granddaughter. We’ve got to do something about cancer, and that’s why I’m fundraising.

This is my second year of competing in the Australian Titles. I’ve never done a state round before this, but it’s worked out well for me! The Western Australian team have been around us all the way. We’ve worked together as a team. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s really, really good.

With more women taking up surfing then ever, growing participation and demand for competitive opportunities has helped create space for a new generation of female surfers across Australia.

That growth was celebrated at this year’s Australian Longboard Titles, with the introduction of the Over-70 Women’s division — recognising the continued passion, commitment and competitive spirit of women who have spent decades in the water.

Making history as the first Australian Champion crowned in the Over-70 Women’s division, Janene Nelson (VIC) etched her name into the record books with a milestone win that celebrates not only her own achievements, but the opportunities being created for women to continue surfing and competing at every stage of life.

“I love this sport because even if you’re over 70, you can still do this! Every day you wake up, you can achieve you put your mind to! Come on Over 70’s ladies! Let’s completely fill this division!!”

Arguably the most decorated surfer in the field, Jason Livingston (NSW) entered this year’s event with 20 Australian Titles to his name. Today, he continued to break records, taking out the Ampd Bros Men’s Over 50 division, bringing his total to 21 Australian titles and further cementing his place as one of Australia’s greatest!

In the Over-55 Men’s division however, a major upset unfolded as Greg Brown (VIC) stunned Livingston in the final, posting a strong 12.07 heat total to claim the Australian Title.

Brown remained composed when it mattered most, delivering the decisive performance to overcome one of the division’s favourites and secure a memorable victory on the Tweed Coast. The result was one of the standout upsets of the Titles, with Brown proving he had the form to take down the field when it counted.

“I’d like to give a massive thank you to the Victorian Team, or the ‘Vic Mafia’ as we call ourselves. They’re an incredible bunch and the support they give is amazing — they’re always down on the beach cheering me on through every heat. And, of course, a huge thank you to my wife, who is always there supporting me every step of the way.”

As generations of surfers converged on the Tweed Coast to write the next chapter in this iconic event’s rich history, the week brought not only standout performances, but the kind of memories and friendships that define a lifetime in the water!

2026 Thermos Australian Longboard Titles Final Results:

U18 Women

1. Poppy Wright (QLD) 11.50 pts

2. Luana Matthies (QLD) 10.90 pts

3. Olive Morriss (NSW) 5.60 pts

4. Lola Boykett (NSW) 5.13 pts

Under 18 Men

1. Jive Constable (QLD) 12.63 pts

2. Kobi Chau (NSW) 11.90 pts

3. Hosea Matthies (QLD) 11.26 pts

4. Lennix Currie (QLD) 6.17 pts

Thermos Open Women

1. Luana Matthies (QLD) 13.40 pts

2. Rori Reyntjes (VIC) 11.26 pts

3. Emma Perrier (NSW) 10.30 pts

4. Kirra Molnar (QLD) 8.84 pts

Thermos Open Men

1. Josh Constable (QLD) 15.07 pts

2. Clinton Guest (QLD) 11.77 pts

3. William Crowe (NSW) 9.73 pts

4. Lennix Currie (QLD) 8.83 pts

Tasman Holiday Parks O40 Men

1. Ben Williams (QLD) 16.16

2. Ben Proudfoot (NSW) 11.80

3. Trent Dickey (QLD) 10.00

4. Andy McHenry (VIC) 5.07

Tasman Holiday Parks O40 Women 

1. Angela King (VIC) 13.03

2. Shae Sheridan (WA) 8.46

3. Laura Pigott (NSW) 7.50

4. Wendy Stevenson (NSW) 3.40

Ampd Bros O50 Men 

1. Jason Livingston (NSW) 13.10

2. Chris Prewitt (QLD) 12.46

3. Charlie O’Sullivan (NSW) 10.67

4. Daniel Miles (NSW) 8.67

Ampd Bros O50 Women 

1. Samantha Wilson (NSW) 12.24

2. Wendy Stevenson (NSW) 9.50

3. Lara Phillips (VIC) 5.76

4. Juanita Read (QLD) 4.40

O55 Men 

1. Greg Brown (VIC) 12.07

2. Tony Rae (NSW) 10.30

3. Paul Burke (WA) 10.24

4. Jason Livingston (NSW) 9.73

Ford Australia O60 Men 

1. John Fraser (NSW) 12.26

2. Greg Brown (VIC) 10.90

3. Tony Rae (NSW) 10.40

4. Ron Galea (NSW) 6.87

Ford Australia O60 Women

1. Louise Tiernan (NSW) 12.57

2. Anne Duncan (NSW) 8.60

3. Kate Dwyer (QLD) 5.84

4. Andrea Bohm (NSW) 3.93

O65 Men

1. Nick Pearson (NSW) 12.57

2. Mike Pimm (NSW) 9.07

3. Brent Moss (WA) 8.96

4. Craig Jones (NSW) 6.96

O70 Men

1. John Haddow (WA) 8.60

2. Jon Lavers (NSW) 8.16

3. Earle Page (NSW) 7.10

4. Ian Borland (QLD) 5.13

O70 Women

1. Jenene Nelson (VIC) 6.87

Thermos Wave Of The Event: Lennix Currie (NSW) – 9.00 pt ride

Wayne Deane Spirit Of Longboarding Award: John Haddow (WA)

2026 Overall State Champion: NSW
 

For all the results, please visit LiveHeats.

The 2026 Thermos Australian Longboard Titles is proudly supported by: Thermos, Ford Australia, Fujifilm Photos, Ampd Bros, Tasman Holiday Parks, Earth Beer Co, Surfers For Climate & Tweed Shire Council