North Narrabeen Claims Australian Boardriders Battle Qualifier

North Narrabeen defeated a strong NSW Central field at Curl Curl to secure the regional title and national qualification.

North Narrabeen held off a determined North Steyne team at Curl Curl to secure the NSW Central title and qualify for the 2027 national final.

North Narrabeen Boardriders has claimed victory in the NSW Central qualifier of the Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Series.

Eighteen clubs contested the event at Curl Curl on Saturday, September 19, with eight qualifying for the 2027 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final at Burleigh Heads.

North Narrabeen produced a composed performance throughout a day featuring strong waves, clean offshore conditions and an impressive field.

The competition included eight-time world champion Layne Beachley, representing Freshwater, and big-wave world record holder Laura Enever for North Narrabeen.

QS surfer Izzy Higg represented North Steyne. Meanwhile, former World Championship Tour surfer and WSL coach Nathan Hedge captained North Narrabeen.

National champions, Challenger Series competitors and emerging juniors added further depth to the qualifier.

North Narrabeen, North Steyne, Avoca and Long Reef emerged as the leading teams during the opening rounds. All four advanced into a closely contested final.

The title eventually developed into a tense contest between North Narrabeen and North Steyne. Only 1.1 points separated the two clubs as time expired.

North Narrabeen held its nerve during the final exchanges, finishing with a team score of 29.60. The result secured the NSW Central title and confirmed the club’s place at Burleigh Heads.

Nathan Hedge said representing North Narrabeen remained an honour because of the club’s proud history.

“There have been generations of great surfers through the club, so it’s awesome to still be able to come out on top,” Hedge said.

“All the clubs have gotten so much stronger, and we had a different team today. It was great to give a few different people an opportunity.”

Hedge said the victory reflected the club’s emphasis on grit, determination and teamwork.

He said every score contributed to the result, regardless of whether a surfer produced an excellent ride or a more modest total.

“It’s about moving together as a team and leaving the ego out of it,” he said.

North Narrabeen junior Jagger Phillips also produced one of the event’s defining moments.

Phillips recorded an 8.83-point ride after finding a left-hand wave and completing two powerful turns. The performance earned him the Boost Mobile Wave of the Day.

“It feels amazing,” Phillips said.

“Even just being part of such an amazing club, I’m super grateful for it.”

Phillips said advice from more experienced teammates helped him adjust to an unfamiliar break.

Contest director Matt Anlezark said the strong conditions and accomplished field demonstrated the depth of grassroots surfing across the region.

He said boardrider clubs remained central to Australian surfing, providing opportunities for established champions, experienced competitors and rising juniors to represent their communities together.

North Narrabeen, North Steyne, Avoca, Long Reef, Bungan, Dee Why Fraternity, North Avalon and Freshwater secured the eight available national final positions.

They will now prepare for the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final at Burleigh Heads in March 2027.

More than 80 boardrider clubs will contest regional qualifiers across Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland during the national series.