PHILLIP Island Boardriders Club have claimed victory at Event 2 of the Australian Boardriders Battle Series, taking top honours on home turf in a day packed with energy, competition, and plenty of waves.
A playful left-hand rip bowl provided the ideal bank for competitors throughout the day. Despite gusty winds, the warm conditions and lively crowd made for an electric atmosphere as nine clubs from across Victoria battled it out for a place in the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final Presented by NRMA Insurance.
After a series of highly contested early rounds, only Torquay Boardriders Club, Jan Juc Boardriders Club, Peninsula Surfriders, and Phillip Island Boardriders Club remained as the final got underway. With the swell easing, teams were forced to be selective with their wave choices while keeping a close eye on the clock to avoid time penalties for failing to return to the box.
As the final unfolded, Peninsula and Phillip Island pulled ahead thanks to some standout rides. Phillip Island’s Carl Wright went huge on a backhand snap out the back to lock in a 7.00-point ride, putting the home team in prime position. Peninsula’s Lucas Hickson kept the pressure on with a 6.33-point ride for a series of sharp backhand turns on a running left.
In the closing stages, consistency and timing proved key. Wright rounded out Phillip Island’s campaign with a solid 5.80-point ride, sealing the win for the locals in front of a roaring home crowd.
The celebrations continued on the sand, with Phillip Island’s Lilian Bassed taking home the Boost Mobile Wave of the Day Award for her earlier performance, while Carl Wright was named Celsius Overall Performer. The Jim Beam Team Spirit Award went to 13th Beach Boardriders, who were praised for their energy and sportsmanship throughout the day.
Bassed shared her experience on the day, saying, “It was really fun today. I was a bit nervous but excited to be a part of the team and get a good wave.”
Wright added, “The surf got pretty tough in the afternoon, but it's always a good day to get club surfing up and going.”
Reflecting on the win, Wright continued, “We finished fourth last year in the final, so we didn't get to go to the national final, which cut us deep. Personally, I had a bit of an average performance that day, so I was fired up to fly the flag today and happy with how it went.”
Club President Jake Eisen praised the team’s effort, saying, “We've been training, so that’s why it’s been so sick. We've actually put a bit of effort in this year and just gone back to basics — we haven’t overcomplicated it.”
Phillip Island, Peninsula, and Jan Juc Boardriders secured their place at the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final Presented by NRMA Insurance, to be held at Burleigh Heads, QLD on March 7-8, 2026.
Final Results:
Phillip Island Boardriders – 28.70 pts
Peninsula Surfriders – 26.10 pts
Jan Juc Boardriders – 22.49 pts
Torquay Boardriders – 10.84 pts
The Jim Beam Club Spirit Award - 13th Beach Boardriders
Celsius Overall Performer - Carl Wright (Phillip Island)
Boost Wave of the Day - Lillian Bassed (Phillip Island)
2025/26 Australian Boardriders Battle Series 13
WA – Trigg Point – September 13, 2025
VIC – Phillip Island – October 5, 2025
QLD – Sunshine Coast – October 11, 2025
SA – Fleurieu Peninsula – October 18, 2025
TAS – Scamander – October 25, 2025
NSW South – Cronulla (new) – November 1, 2025
NSW Central – North Narrabeen – November 8, 2025
NSW North – Coffs Harbour – November 15, 2025
Grand Final – Burleigh Heads, March 2026 (entry by qualification)
Emergency Services
BEACH CLOSED: Sandy Point beach closed due to whale carcass
PEOPLE are being urged to avoid the Sandy Point beach after a whale carcass was located in the area. VicEmergency has sent out an advice warning noting that people should avoid the area, stay informed and do not enter the water as the beach is...
