PHILLIP Island VIC finalists were decided on day two of the 2024 Australian SUP Titles on Phillip Island, Victoria. An increase in swell saw the competition shift to Right Point, where competitors tackled tricky two-to-three-foot waves and cross-shore winds.
29-year-old Kai Bates (Mollymook, NSW) posted the event's highest heat total so far, scoring a near-perfect 19.43 (out of 20), including a perfect 10-point ride on his final wave.
"I got a bit more used to the wave as the heat went on," Bates said. "It allowed me to get a few turns, get the board up, and then pump all the way through to the inside.
"Phillip Island is like four seasons in one day. Right Point is a defined left-hander and was more user-friendly today. Surfing Australia and Surfing Victoria have done a great job finding the best conditions."
Bates will face Connor Linz (Salamander Bay, NSW), Indy Rose (Avalon, NSW), and Matt Takle (Torquay, VIC) in the Final.
In the Open Women’s division, Isi Campbell (Denmark, WA) advanced after outpacing top-seed Rebecca Dunning (Barrack Heights, NSW). They will join Hannah Finlay-Jones (Merewether Heights, NSW) and Ke’ale Dorries (Elanora, QLD) in the Final.
Contest Director Liam Robertson said: "We’ve seen some epic performances from the SUP athletes today. We're at the pointy end of the competition now, and everyone has stepped up. With a drop in wind expected tomorrow (Oct 25), it should be another great day of action, followed by the Marathon Race on Saturday."
Eleven Australian champions will be crowned in SUP surfing, along with the running of the Technical Race.
The next call was at 6:30 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. start, at Right Point, Surfies Point.
The Australian SUP Titles are proudly supported by Jim Beam, Bass Coast Shire Council, Surfers for Climate, Starboard, and Surfing Victoria.
Follow the LIVE scores on LiveHeats.
The Australian SUP Titles are proudly supported by Jim Beam, Bass Coast Shire Council, Surfers for Climate, Starboard and Surfing Victoria.
