Torquay, VICTORIA: Surfing Victoria has officially unveiled the state team set to compete at the 2026 Australian Bodyboard Titles, sending a talented squad of waveriders to Newcastle, New South Wales, from August 20–22, 2026. The event will bring together over 70 of the country’s elite bodyboarders and dropknee specialists across junior, open, and masters divisions. Representing Victoria will be a team of 10 Victorian riders from a diverse range of backgrounds, bringing achievements and experience from both Australia and overseas.
Bodyboarding has long been an influential discipline shaping Australia’s rich big-wave legacy, with competitors historically known for pioneering some of the heaviest waves globally and constantly redefining performance boundaries in challenging surf. The 2026 national championships are expanding over three full days to accommodate the rapid growth, rising performance standards, and increasing competitive participation seen across all Australian states.
Nathan Clark will compete in the Grand Masters division, having previously claimed the 2023 Australian Grand Masters Championship.
Ryan and Lyndall Jucker bring significant international pedigree to the team, with both being former South African champions in their own right. Ryan will represent Victoria in the Masters division, while Lyndall will compete in the Women’s division.
Joining Ryan in the Masters is Rui Mateus, originally from Portugal, who brings extensive international experience and a strong competitive background, with solid results in both Portugal and Brazil before moving to Victoria. In the Opens, Victoria will field some exciting young, up-and-coming talent in Ned Johnson and Xander Harbour. Also competing in the Opens is Henry Munro, who made history at last year’s Australian Titles as the first Cook Islands native to compete at an Australian National Bodyboarding Championship.
“Across the Victorian team there is well over 100 years of combined bodyboarding experience, bringing together Australian champions, internationally accomplished competitors and some of the most exciting emerging talent in Victorian bodyboarding.” Said Adam Williams, President of Bodyboarding Victoria. “It’s a diverse and experienced team, and we’re confident Victoria will be right in the mix for victory across several divisions in Newcastle.”
2026 Victorian Bodyboard Team
OPEN MEN
Ned Johnstone — Rye
Xander Harbour — Rye
Henry Munro — Williams Landing
OPEN WOMEN
Lyndall Jucker — Hampton East
MASTERS MEN OVER 35
Ryan Jucker — Hampton East
Rui Mateus — Ivanhoe
KAHUNAS MEN OVER 45
Nathan Clark — Mentone
Benjamin Lee Kong — Cremorne
DROP KNEE OPEN MEN
Adam Williams — Warrnambool
Nathan Clark — Mentone
The 2026 Australian Bodyboard Titles are proudly supported and presented by Surfing Australia, Ford Australia, Fujifilm Photos, Ampd Bros, Thermos, Manta Bodyboards, and Surfers For Climate.
Event Fact Sheet
Dates: August 20–22, 2026
Location: Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW)
Rating / Status: National Championship Titles / Selection Event
Divisions: Junior, Open, Masters, Kahunas, and Drop Knee Open
The rights to the images attached or accessed by link within this email are granted by Surfing Victoria Inc. for editorial use only. No commercial rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an “as is” basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to individuals within the Images are not provided. The copyright is owned by Surfing Victoria. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Participation
Events
My Profile
Login to your profile or Sign up to our new Surfing Portal
Memberships
Head to your Surfing Portal to purchase or renew memberships
Events & Courses
Head to your Surfing Portal to enter events and courses
