SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND (Thursday, 20 April, 2023) – The fourth day of the Queensland Surf Championships saw a stunning display of stylish surfing as the Logger and Masters Divisions took to the pumping three-to-four foot waves at Alexandra Bluff. Surfers from across Queensland showcased their skills on the long right-hand point break, making for another day of exciting competition.
The morning kicked off with the Logger Divisions, and the surfers didn’t disappoint. With perfect waves rolling in, they put on a spectacular display of stylish surfing as we crowned the Queensland Logger champions.
The judges were impressed with the high level of skill on display, with surfers posting several excellent rides. Head Judge, Owen Crockett, said he saw the best Logger surfing he’s seen in the 12+ year’s he’s been judging.
“The surfers performed exceptionally to the judging criteria with long nose rides, cross-stepping and manoeuvres in critical sections, paired with overheard waves and style and grace. It was the complete package, and really exciting to watch. The Open Men’s final was one of the best I’ve ever witnessed in all my years of judging.”
The Open Men’s Logger division saw a hotly contested battle for the top spot. The final was the highest scoring heat of the event so far, entertaining fellow competitors and the spectators that lined Alexandra Headland to watch the action.
Previous Australian Logger Champion, Clinton Guest,ended up narrowly taking home the trophy, defeating Landen Smales by 0.38. Kaiden Smales placed third and Rory Symes finished fourth.
Guest said he was extremely happy to take the win today at his home break and against tough competition.
“I surf the Bluff all the time, I’m part of the Alex Malibu Club and today was as good as it can get for logging conditions,” said Guest, Open Men’s Logger Division Champion. “It’s really inspirational to see the two Smales brothers coming through. They’re taking Queensland and Australian surfing by storm at the moment, so to share the final with them was a great honour. They’ve got a bright future ahead of them.”
Continuing her form from yesterday, Open Women’s Logger was won by Kirra Molnar ahead of Under 18 Junior Logger Champion and one of the event standouts, Mia Waite and Women’s Over 40 Champion, Honey Bec.
In the afternoon, the Masters Divisions took to the water, with surfers eager to showcase their skills in the pumping surf. The Men’s Masters division saw some exceptional performances, with former professional surfers putting on a masterclass in wave riding.
The conditions at Alex Headland were near-perfect throughout the day, providing the surfers with plenty of opportunities to show off their surfing. The Queensland Surf Championships will continue tomorrow with the finals of the Master’s divisions taking place with conditions set to remain similar.
LOGGER WINNERS:
- Grand Masters Men Over 40 Logger: Ben Williams
- Under 18 Junior Men Logger: Landen Smales
- Under 18 Junior Women Logger: Mia Waite
- Dukes Men Over 55 Logger: Hayden Swan
- Grand Masters Women Over 40 Logger: Honey Bec
- Open Women Logger: Kirra Molnar
- Open Men Logger: Clinton Guest
The 2023 Queensland Surf Championships is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland Government, DriTimes, We Are Feel Good Inc., QMS Media, The Point, GoPro and Travla.
