The Journey to the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Queensland Qualifier.
Glancing out the window, the weather is perfect for a road trip to the Sunshine Coast. It’s going to be a big weekend, we are headed to the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle, and the trusty Suzuki Jimny XL is ready to roll.
The event and media gear is loaded up, the surf report is double checked, and the essentials are packed—camera, board shorts, and a few snacks for the road. The Jimny is compact but roomy enough for everything we need. Its rugged design and off-road capabilities are a nice bonus for this kind of journey. With the boards strapped securely on top, we hit the road.
As we leave the Gold Coast, the city streets slowly give way to the open highway, with the Sunshine Coast beckoning ahead. The Jimny XL is a breeze to drive on the long stretch of road, its elevated seating position offering great visibility over traffic. It’s small enough to zip through town, but sturdy enough to take on whatever terrain the coast might throw at us.
By mid-morning, we roll into the Sunshine Coast, greeted by salty air and glimpses of blue water. The beaches here are iconic, and will soon be filled with eager boardrider clubs ready to battle! We make my way to the event site, and parking is a breeze with the Jimny’s compact size. We spot some of the top boardrider clubs training before the event, and the atmosphere is already buzzing.
As the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle kicks off, the best clubs from around Queensland are here to show off their skills. Noosa Boardriders, Burleigh Boardriders, Snapper Rocks Surfriders and more—each team has their own set of rising stars and seasoned pros. It’s amazing to witness the mix of emerging juniors and former World Championship Tour surfers all vying for a spot in the Grand Final.
By the time the finals hit, Noosa Boardriders are on fire. After a long day of heats and eliminations, they’ve worked their way to the top, and their momentum is unstoppable. The crowd cheers as they run away with the win, securing their place in the Grand Final at Burleigh Heads.
As the sun begins to set and the event winds down, we pack up and head back to the Jimny XL. The drive back feels serene, with the Jimny’s smooth handling making the trip as enjoyable as the journey up.
The Suzuki Jimny XL proved to be the perfect companion, offering both style and substance on the open road, and the event itself showcased the heart and talent of Queensland’s surfing community. With Noosa Boardriders taking the win, we are already marking our calendar for the Grand Final at Burleigh Heads from 8-9 March 2025.
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