SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND (Saturday, 23 May 2026) – Queensland’s best shortboard surfers put on a spectacular display today at the Queensland State Championships, with titles decided across the Open and Under 21 divisions in punchy beach break conditions on the Sunshine Coast.
The event showcased the depth of Queensland surfing talent, with athletes now earning the opportunity to represent the state at the Australian Surfing Titles set to run 24–30 August, 2026.
The Under 21 Shortboard Women division kicked off the finals action, with Sarah Young taking out the title ahead of Maggie Wydell and Gisele Sinclair. All three surfers will now represent Queensland at the Australian Surfing Titles.
Next up was the Under 21 Shortboard Men division, who went full throttle out at Alex Skate Park. Ashton Pignat claimed victory with a strong two-wave total featuring a 6.17 and 7.50, defeating Aidan Doyle-Duffy, Zukas Loining and Hayden Danswan.
The five-person Shortboard Open Women final saw Izzie Caldow deliver one of the standout performances of the event, earning the highest single wave score of the championships with an impressive 8.83. Caldow claimed the Queensland title and will represent Queensland alongside fellow competitors Gabriele Cosma and Under 21 Women’s Champion Sarah Young at the Australian Surfing Titles.
“I’m so keen to represent Queensland at the Aussie Titles!” said Caldow. “I love competing in these events and being around the crew who compete and the team who make it all happen. I’m stoked to come away as Queensland Champion.”
The day wrapped up with the highly anticipated Shortboard Open Men final, which saw Tim Bain crowned back-to-back Queensland Champion. Bain posted an excellent heat total of 15.56 to take the win over Jye Pegg, Ashton Pignat and Jake Spicer.
“The surf really turned on for the final and there were a few corners to make use of,” said Bain. “Keen to head to the Aussie Titles, it should be really fun and I’m honestly keen to just keep surfing.”
The Queensland State Championships continue across the Sunshine Coast this week, with Queensland teams to be decided across multiple disciplines including SUP, Kneeboard, Longboard, Masters Shortboard and Open Shortboard.
Surfing Queensland would like to thank its partners for their ongoing support including BYD Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast Council, Dritimes, The Point Coolum, We Are Feel Good Inc, Mogu Mogu and Blue Horizon.
