Shut the gate — Southend’s back on top!
What an unforgettable result at the inaugural South Coast Cup, held in pumping conditions at Jones Beach, Kiama. The Southend crew delivered from the very first heat and peaked when it counted — dropping some of the highest scores of the event. Blake Thornton’s unforgettable perfect 10-point ride in the final to storm through for a historic win won’t be forgotten any time soon!
Southend Boardriders were crowned champions, taking home $4,800 in prize money and bringing the Cup back to Maroubra.
This was the first time Southend has competed as a standalone club in over a decade — and it turned out to be our best result in the last 20 years. A proud moment for everyone involved, and a massive statement from our club.
The South Coast Cup features the best boardriding clubs from Bondi all the way to the Victorian border, making it one of the most competitive and prestigious regional events on the calendar.
It takes a committed squad with a ‘team first’ attitude to be successful at these events, and every surfer in the lineup played their part in securing this historic victory — unselfishly sticking to the heat strategy throughout the day. But when it came down to the wire, it was Monty Tait’s 8.33 and 9.50, followed by Blake Thornton’s perfect 10 in the final, that clinched it for Southend and sent the beach into meltdown.
Southend Surfing Squad – South Coast Cup:
George Messiter
Gracie Ball
Ella Howard
Judah Miller
Tye Koolis
Koda Killorn
Monty Tait
Trent Bandfield
Luana Galardo
Blake Thornton
Huge thanks to the event organisers and hosts Jones Beach Boardriders, along with the officials, judges, supporters, sponsors, and all the competing clubs who made the day one to remember.
This win caps off an incredible run for the club — over the last three years, Southend has been named NSW Sports Community Club of the Year, received a Special Commendation Community Service Award on Australia Day, and now adds South Coast Cup Champions to the list.
To our surfers — you absolutely ripped.
We’ll be buzzing off this one for a while.
Let’s gooo!!!
