Caption: Kai Colless wins gold in Para Surf Prone 1. Credit: Surfing Australia / ISA / Pablo Franco
Queensland has a new world champion, with Kai Colless (Burleigh Heads, QLD) winning gold medal in the Para Surf Prone 1 division at the 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship over the weekend.
The Irukandjis Para Surfing Team took home a total of eight individual medals and an overall bronze at Surf City USA, Huntington Beach. Joel Taylor (Lennox Head, NSW) claimed silver, while Emma Dieters (Mona Vale, NSW) and Cliff Gralton (Tuncurry, NSW) secured bronze. Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart (Byron Bay, NSW), Kirk Watson (Mona Vale, NSW) and Matt Formston (Wamberal, NSW), each earned copper in their respective divisions. Chris Astill (St Leonards, NSW) and Chris Blowes (Netley, SA) also reached the Finals in their divisions.
Kai Colless said: “It feels incredible to take the gold and be crowned 2024 ISA World Champion, but even more so in the same year as winning back-to-back AASP 2023 and 2024 Professional World Championships.
“Representing my country and being part of the Irukandjis Team has been an absolute honour. Being on the beach each day and celebrating all of our team’s achievements has been amazing, and I’m really grateful for our team coach Josh and his input and encouragement this past week. I’m going home to graduate high school this coming Friday, so I’m looking forward to celebrating with all my family and friends.”
Also competing as part of the Irukandjis Team were Lee Ferrier (Narrabeen, NSW), Michael Fonti (Nowra, NSW), and Annie Goldsmith (Erindale, SA). Joining them at Huntington Beach was Head Coach, Josh Fuller and Team Manager, Byron Hoskins.
Team Results:
1st – France
2nd – United States
3rd – Australia
For full results, video highlights and all high-res photos from the event, visit isasurf.org.
The Irukandjis Para Surfing Team are proudly supported by Insurance Advisernet.
