The 2020 SunSmart WA Bodyboard Titles made a spectacular return to Claytons Beach in Mindarie, with seven State champions crowned in exciting high-performance bodyboard waves.
The SunSmart WA Bodyboard Titles marked Surfing Western Australia's return to competition after Covid-19 temporarily suspended all operations back in March.
After a 117-day hiatus, the event attracted some of WA's most experienced riders, who went head-to-head with a new generation of bodyboarders, many of which were competing for the first time at State title level.
Under sunny skies and with clean ocean conditions prevailing all weekend, plenty of spectators made the most of Claytons' natural amphitheater and lined the break wall to soak up all the action.
Dunsborough's Joe Jordanoff turned back the clock to prove he's still amongst WA's finest bodyboarders, with an epic performance across multiple divisions.
Jordanoff scooped an impressive double victory, claiming a close-fought win in the blue-ribbon Open Men's division and taking out the hotly contested Over-35 Masters division.
He showed the style and technique that has seen him claim multiple state, national, and pro titles in the past.
Jordanoff had to fend off former Brazilian National Champion Tainan Monte in a memorable Open Men's final.
Despite his best efforts, Monte finished second ahead of Josh De Legh and Blake Gerrard, in third and fourth, respectively.
"The last State title I competed here in Mindarie was like 25 years ago," laughed Jordanoff.
"It's a really good bodyboard wave, and I still have so much love and froth for this sport. Getting in the water, mixing it up with the guys, pulling on a rashie. I just love it - it's the best."
Two In a Row
Jordanoff saved his best for the Over-35 Masters final, where he posted the highest individual score of the event, 9.60 (from a possible 10), and the highest combined total of the event, 17.93 (from a possible 20).
Great wave and maneuver selection were the difference in the end, as Jordanoff spun, rolled and flipped his way to victory ahead of Adam Armstrong, Ian Goldthorpe and Brad Neervort.
"It's been a great weekend, a big thanks to Surfing WA and all the sponsors for their support," said Jordanoff.
"I've always loved competing, but to have a win with my family watching on from the beach is something pretty special that I'll always remember."
Mindarie local Ebony Schell claimed her maiden State title, with a win in the Open Women's division.
Cheered on by many friends and family Schell was pushed all the way by 2019 State champion Bronwyn Fricke.
"I'm so stoked right now," said Schell.
"I would have loved a bit more size this weekend, but I've had a great time competing in my first State title event here at my home break."
Margaret River's Ziggy Bullock defended his Under-18 Junior Boys State title from 2019, going back-to-back with some quality tube rides and clean rolls.
Bullock was pushed all the way by close friend Max McGregor, with just 2.20 points separating the pair when the final siren sounded.
"This is my first time surfing here at Claytons, and I've really enjoyed it," said Bullock.
"It's a super fun beach break with some sick wedges. I'd like to thank Max's mum for driving us up and taking care of us; it's been a blast."
The Drop-Knee Battle
Mark Boehm was the only competitor to get the best of Joe Jordanoff, taking out the Drop Knee division by less than one point.
In one of the closest results of the entire event, Boehm was able to extract just enough to see him capture his first State title since 2015.
"I'm thrilled to get the win, the conditions were so nice out there," said Boehm.
"To beat one of WA's bodyboard best in such a tight result makes it that little bit sweeter as well."
Joondalup's Andrew Browning was the best of the youngsters, taking out the Under-16 Cadet Boys State title.
Browning topped a small but exciting group of youngsters who competed furiously in the wedges at Claytons Beach.
While, in other results from the weekend, Duncraig's Adam Armstrong won the Over 45 Grand Masters.
"This has been one of the best Bodyboard State title events we've had in years," said Surfing WA's Events Manager Justin Majeks.
"I'd like to extend a warm thanks to the City of Wanneroo for hosting us, as well as our amazing sponsors and supporters, but I'd like to especially thank our competitors who traveled from right across WA to be here to compete in our first event back from Covid-19."
The weekend event will be the sole means of qualifying for the Australian Bodyboard titles in 2020, with Port Macquarie NSW set to host the countries best bodyboarders in late October.
Surfing WA will be looking to provide a training camp for all national title qualifiers prior to national titles to best prepare competitors for the highest level of competition in the country.
2020 SunSmart WA Bodyboard Titles | Results
Open Men
1. Joe Jordanoff (Dunsborough) - 13.03
2. Tainan Monte (South Lake) - 12.90
3. Josh De Legh (Scarborough) - 11.50
4. Blake Gerrard (North Beach) - 10.77
Open Women
1. Ebony Schell (Mindarie) - 24.07*
2. Bronwyn Fricke (Swanbourne) - 21.62*
* combined totals from 2x finals
Under 18 Junior Boys
1. Ziggy Bullock (Margaret River) - 12.60
2. Max McGregor (Margaret River) - 10.40
3. Alex Impiazzi (Mandurah) - 8.27
4. Luke Gibson (Sorrento) - 8.20
Under 16 Cadet Boys
1. Andrew Browning (Joondalup) - 11.33
2. Reily Schell (Mindarie) - 10.94
3. Elijah Medling (Albany) - 8.23
4. Joe Savage (Kalamunda) - 6.57
Drop Knee
1. Mark Boehm (Marangaroo) - 22.50*
2. Joe Jordanoff (Dunsborough) - 21.83*
3. Troy Sibilant (Aveley) - 12.64*
* combined totals from 2x finals
Over 35 Masters
1. Joe Jordanoff (Dunsborough) - 17.93
2. Adam Armstrong (Duncraig) - 9.93
3. Ian Goldthorpe (Cottesloe) - 9.43
4. Brad Neervort (Craigie) - 7.87
Over 45 Grand Masters
1. Adam Armstrong (Duncraig) - 7.50