The first leg of the Australian Bodyboarding Association’s national tour will be held at one of Mandurah’s most well-loved surf spots with the Wedge set to kick-start the action.
After a hiatus in 2016, the Wedge has returned to the tour locations and will see some of the best national and international names hitting the surf in February.
The return of the tour is a coup for the Mandurah Bodyboard Club, with president Nicole Ihms saying the club was “stoked” to have it back in town.
“All the boys are just stoked, it’s great to see it back here and the club is buzzing,” she said.
“It’s a huge event not just for the bodyboarding community, but the Mandurah community as a whole, so it’s very exciting.”
A number of Mandurah Bodyboard Club members are already in national teams and will look to make their mark against some tough opposition at the first leg.
Jake Metcalfe is fresh off a win at nationals and will prove hard to beat at his home break, while Jordyn Ihms, who finished third at nationals in 2015 and sixth at an international competition in Chile the same year, will be eyeing a high-up finish.
If they opt to compete, Mandurah’s Matt Hanks and Henry Gibson would be touted as possible winners of the junior competition.
“It will be good to see the local guys feeling comfortable at home and taking on some top talent from other places around the country,” Ihms said.
“We’ve got some really good bodyboarders I think can challenge for that top spot.”
Australian Bodyboarding Association general manager Dylan Beach said the organisation was excited to put a WA leg back on the tour.
“We are stoked to have WA back on the schedule next year. We work hard each off-season to lock down locations that showcase bodyboarding in the finest light,” he said.
“We are also very excited to be working with the APB World Tour next year on some announcements over the next few months. With good waves and the level of riding we’re seeing at the moment, we can’t wait to see what next year brings.”
The first leg of the tour will be held at the Wedge on Friday, February 3 going through to Sunday, February 5.
For more information visit abatour.com.au or to become a member of the Mandurah Bodyboard Club visit surfingaustralia.com/clubs/mandurah-bodyboard-club
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
