Spectacular Start At Djarrak As The 2025 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles Presented By Rip Curl Kicks Off With Culture And World-Class Surf

Bells Beach/Djarrak, VIC/AUS (Friday 30th May, 2025): Day 1 of the 2025 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl kicked off spectacularly at Djarrak (Bells Beach), blending cultural celebration with elite surfing in ideal conditions.

The morning began with a moving Opening Ceremony led by Corrina Eccles, setting a powerful tone for the weekend. Her words and presence grounded the event in deep respect for country and culture, instantly bringing everyone together as one. The ocean responded in kind, turning on a dream canvas for competitors. Clean 3–4 foot sets rolled into the famous Djarrak as the Open Men’s division hit the water to launch the first heats of the day.

Finn Hill (Avoca Beach, NSW) wasted no time making his mark. With a fierce combination of power carves and committed snaps, he posted one of the highest scores of the morning, an 8.83-point ride that showcased his explosive style and control.

Victorian locals Jordie Campbell (Torquay, VIC) and Joe Murray (Torquay, VIC) made the most of their home advantage in a stacked heat alongside Maddox Cohen (Macmasters Beach, NSW) and Zachary Molony (Killarney Vale, NSW).

Campbell impressed the judges with a critical backhand attack in the Bells Bowl, locking in a 6.83-point ride to start, before backing it up under priority with a beautifully timed 7.83-point ride that included a dynamic backhand floater and an under-the-lip bash. Murray kept it consistent to secure second place and a spot in the quarterfinals with a 5.17 and 5.67-point ride, showcasing smooth rail surfing.

“It was pumping out there,” said Campbell after his heat win.

“On my 7.83 I thought Zachy was going to go, so I didn’t stand up at first,” Campbell laughed.

“It was a great morning, the waves were cooking and Mother Nature really turned it on for us down here at Djarrak,” added Murray.

The Open Women’s division also brought the fire, with Lehaini Zoric (Byron Bay, NSW) stealing the show in Heat 1. After a patient start, Zoric found a wave with enough wall to throw a massive forehand snap and drift the fins off the lip, earning her an 8.00-point ride, the highest of the heat, and the win.

“I had priority and all the girls had caught a wave, so I just waited for a good one,” Zoric explained.

“Then I took a wave, saw a bit of a lip, and just hit it!”

Behind her, Bodhi Simon (Gold Coast, QLD) used a more traditional carving approach to secure a solid 4.50-point ride and join Zoric in the semi-finals.

Zoric summed up the vibe of the day best. “I love this event because it’s not super competitive, everyone’s chatting out in the water and having the best time. That’s what it’s all about!”

Landen Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD) picked up right where he left off last year, continuing his event-winning form as the defending champion in both the Open Men Shortboard and Longboard divisions. Smales looked sharp across both disciplines, posting two impressive 8.00-point rides throughout the day. In the shortboard division, he impressed judges with a powerful and precise attack on the lip, while in the longboard heats, he displayed a flowing and technical style that showcased his versatility and confidence heading deeper into the event.

With the swell holding and spirits high, Day 2 promises more action, more connection, and more stories to share as the 2025 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl continue to unfold at one of surfing’s most sacred sites.

Live scores and schedule can be found via www.australianindigenoussurfingtitles.com  
 
The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles is presented by Rip Curl and Headsox and supported by the Victorian Government, Surf Coast Events, VicHealth, Surfing Australia, Play it Safe by the Water, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Indigo- Print, Jessi Rebel Art, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Feed Me Surf Coast and Surf Better Now.