Round 1 of the 2024 Victorian Longboard Titles Kicks Off with Exciting Performances and Great Conditions

The 2024 Victorian Longboard Titles commenced today with a burst of energy as surfers descended upon Phillip Island. Greeted by a substantial swell that filled in overnight the first day of competition saw participants vie for a spot on finals day.

Due to the abundance of swell hitting the island the first day of competition was moved to the alternative location of Cat Bay to ensure optimal conditions. The waves proved to be a longboarder’s paradise with perfect A-frame peaks pealing their way over the reef. As the tide filled in over the day competitors were provided with ample opportunities to showcase their skills across all facets of the judging criteria.

Competitors also had extra motivation to progress through the draw with the overall series winners of the Open Men and Women earning themselves a wildcard spot into the 2024 WSL Bells Beach Longboard Classic.

With the waves offering perfect canvases for classic nose rides, Greg Brown (Torquay) wasted no time demonstrating his precision in executing elegant cross-steps to the nose. Spectators were treated to a spectacle as Brown got in rhythm with the ocean finding multiple waves that allowed for extended hang fives. 

“We had a real fun time out there, laughing and chatting about the weather and surf,” Brown exclaimed.

“The conditions were glassy and light offshore so it was really easy to nose ride, we all had good fun,”  he added.
“It’s great to see plenty of competitors in this event.”

It was clear Brown was utilising the recent adjustment in the Surfing Australia Longboard criteria (which now puts more weight on the traditional longboard maneuvers) with his highest score in the quarterfinals being an 8.17 point ride. He then convincingly took out his semifinal to secure his spot on finals day. 

As the day progressed, the intensity of competition soared, with surfers pushing the boundaries in the pursuit of excellence. The combination of ideal conditions and formidable talent set the stage for exciting performances going into the remaining heats of the day. 

Standing out amongst the other competitors was Open Women Asha Reeves (Surf Coast) who applied a graceful approach to the waves. Reeves was able to stay light on her feet dancing her way up and down the board. Taking off on a right-hander she worked her way up the board and hung her toes beyond the nose before finishing the wave off with a floater on the end section. This great wave scored her a 7.37 point ride.

“It was super fun out there, I feel like it’s always great being out with the girls,” said Reeves.

“Having lefts and rights is good as we were just sharing the peak,” she continued.

Reeves was able to back this incredible wave up with another lengthy nose ride to receive a 14.30 combined heat total and become the heat winner over last year’s overall winner, Molly Powell (Anglesea).

“I’m just taking it heat by heat however I’m feeling really good going into tomorrow.”

With an expected easing in swell, the call for tomorrow’s competition will be at 7:15 for a 7:30 start with the location to be determined in the morning.

Heat draws and live scores can be found at www.surfingvic.com/live across the 2 day event.

The Victorian Longboard Titles is supported by Park Lane Holiday Parks, Danny Green’s Coward Punch Campaign, VicRoads Community Safety Grants, Cancer Council Sunscreen, earLAB and Surfing Victoria.