Southend Boardriders Maroubra took top honours in the inaugural South Coast Cup held at Jones Beach over the weekend, securing victory in what organisers described as “all-time conditions.”
The event, hosted by Jones Beach Boardriders (JBB), drew 13 clubs from across New South Wales and Victoria, competing for a $4,500 prize pool. After a week of inclement weather, clear skies and clean surf created ideal conditions for competition on Saturday.
“It was a beautiful, sunny day. The amazing weather really allowed the event to flourish,” said JBB member Geoff Latimar. “We ended up holding it in the middle of Jones Beach in what were probably all-time conditions, surf-wise. The paddle out was challenging, but the wave quality—and some of the surfing we witnessed—will be remembered for a long time.”
The format saw the field narrowed to eight clubs after initial heats, with four advancing to the final. Southend secured the win with a total score of 29.64, edging out Ulladulla, who finished second with 26.84.
“It was super close,” Latimar said. “It was back and forth for a while, and then Maroubra locked in a perfect 10-point ride from Blake Thornton—an ex-professional surfer who was on the world tour. That sealed the win for them.”
The host club, Jones Beach Boardriders, finished in third place. Standout performances included Oceanna Rogers, who posted a 9.5 in the semi-finals—the highest-scoring wave by any female surfer during the event.
“She was a standout throughout the event,” Latimar said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t quite click as a team in the final and fell away a little at the end. But to place third in the first year, with the calibre of clubs involved, gives us something to build on for next time.”
The event attracted approximately 500 spectators and featured a festival-like atmosphere, with live music, BBQs, and community activities alongside the surfing action.
“In collaboration with the surf club, there was live music during the finals,” Latimar said. “The presentation was held at the surf club afterwards with more music and a pizza truck. It was a pretty special afternoon—great surfing, great vibes, and a perfect way to wrap it up.”
Teams travelled from as far north as South Sydney and as far south as the Victorian border. According to organisers, feedback from participants and attendees was overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone was so stoked with how it went. The camaraderie and the event atmosphere were epic,” Latimar said. “A lot of people can’t wait for next year’s edition.”
JBB confirmed that plans are already underway for the 2026 South Coast Cup and extended their gratitude to the local community and sponsors.
“We want to thank the entire local community for showing up and getting behind the event,” said Latimar. “And of course, a huge thanks to our sponsors and partners—Zink Surf, Kiama Council, The Man Walk, Haworth Guitars, Atmosphere Productions, Ocean and Earth, Secret Sumatra, Kiama Downs IGA, and Superior Meats Shellharbour.”