The 2023 SUP State Titles, the first surf discipline involved in the Port Stephens Surf Festival presented by Okanui was held at Birubi Beach last Friday.

The event saw a large range of age groups participating in the competition, showcasing the camaraderie that exists within the growing SUP surfing community.

The conditions were ideal for Stand Up Paddleboard surfing, with sunny skies and a light offshore breeze creating clean and consistent waves throughout the day. The surf report indicated 2-3 foot swell with light to moderate winds, making it a perfect day for competitors to showcase their skills.

The event attracted participants from all over the state, ranging in ages up to 60+ years old, each bringing their unique style and flair to the competition. The atmosphere at Birubi Beach was electric, with competitors, friends and family cheering on their favourite competitors as they battled it out in the finals. The level of competition was fierce, with each participant demonstrating their skills in the water, making it an exciting event for all involved.

“We are thrilled with the turnout for this year’s SUP State Titles at the Port Stephens Surf Festival,” said Rohan Fell, Surfing NSW’s Event Manager. “The level of talent on display gets better and better each year and the camaraderie shown between participants is awesome. We would like to congratulate all the winners and participants for their epic efforts.”

Andrew Cassidy (Northern Beach), winner of the Grand Kahunas Men Over 50 Longboard SUP Surf division, added to Rohan’s sentiment by explaining his win and stoke with the turnout of this year’s SUP State Titles.

“I’ve been involved in every Australian SUP Title since it started in 2009 and took out my first national win last year so I’m stoked to have secured a place for the 2023 Australian SUP Titles. The SUP State Titles is always great fun, catching up with old mates and enjoying the waves as well as the increase in participants for this discipline, it’s awesome!” Cassidy said.

The Port Stephens Surf Festival is presented by Okanui, a well known surfwear brand established in 1978 in Australia. Known for its retro-inspired clothing and accessories, its products are designed for surfers and beachgoers who value comfort, durability and style. Okanui is committed to promoting surfing and fostering a sense of community within the surfing industry.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding efforts. Winners of each division:

Open Men SUP Surf: Wesley Fry

Open Winner SUP Surf: Skyla Rayner

Grand Masters Men Over 40 SUP Surf: Marty Cole

Grand Masters Women Over 40 SUP Surf: Rebecca Dunning

Grand Kahunas Men Over 50 SUP Surf: Blaire Moore

Grand Kahunas Women Over 50 SUP Surf: Lesa Prowse

Open Men 10FT SUP Surf: Wesley Fry

Open Women 10FT SUP Surf: Skyla Rayner

Grand Kahunas Men Over 50 Longboard SUP Surf: Andrew Cassidy

Grand Masters Women Over 40 Longboard SUP Surf: Rebecca Dunning

Over Men SUP Surf: David Stretton