Western Australia's best bodyboarders will be coming to Mandurah this weekend for the 2025 Think Mental Health WA Bodyboard Championships.
The event, on March 8 and 9, will make a much-anticipated return to the Mandurah Wedge, an iconic location known for its heavy wedges and high performance opportunities.
Competitors across multiple divisions, ranging from Under-14 Grommets to Over-45 Grand Masters, will battle it out for the state title and a chance to qualify for the Australian Titles in Sydney later this year.
Leading the charge will be three-time Australian Champion Ebony Schell (Mindarie).
Schell will be joined by stalwart and West Australian bodyboard pioneer Chad Jackson (Dunsborough), who will be out defend his Over-35 Men's State Title and book his ticket to the Australian Bodyboard Titles later this year.
Davis Blackwell. PIC: Surfing WA / Majeks
“To hear that the Australian Titles will be held in a wave pool this year definitely sparked my interest and got me excited,” Jackson said.
“Mandurah is the ultimate bodyboarding wave, and hopefully we get some swell and some high impact waves. The location is so unique and I can't remember when I was last competed there but hopefully we get some big ramps to launch off.”
The Think Mental Health WA Bodyboard Championships provide a clear pathway for Western Australian riders to take on the country's best at the Australian Titles which will be held in a wave pool for the first time.
“Western Australia has long been a breeding ground for world-class bodyboarding talent,” Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks said.
“WA legends like Ryan Hardy, Sean Virtue, and Brad Hughes pushed the sport forward, with the likes of Lewy Finnegan, Davis Blackwell and George Humphreys now shinning brightly. We’re excited to see the next wave of competitors make their mark on and I wish all competitors the best of luck.”
Surfing WA is monitoring conditions and will release the heat draw on Thursday.
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