Irukandjis Make a Splash at the 2024 World Championships!
A huge shout-out to all our amazing Irukandjis athletes who competed at the 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship in Huntington Beach, California back in November! We're so proud of your hard work, dedication, and incredible performances on the world stage.
Australia brought a strong team of 11 surfers to the competition, a mix of seasoned veterans and some exciting newcomers. And boy, did they deliver! The team brought home a bronze medal overall and eight individual medals. Let's hear it for these legends:
- Annie Goldsmith (SA): A warm welcome to Annie who represented Australia for the first time! We can't wait to see what you achieve in the future!
- Chris Blowes (SA): Chris charged hard all the way to the finals in his division! What a legend!
- Kai Colless (QLD): Kai absolutely crushed it, taking home the GOLD medal in his division! This young gun is one to watch!
- Em Dieters (NSW): Em scored an awesome bronze medal, Adding it to her ! She's a consistent performer and a true inspiration.
- Matt Formston (NSW): Matt is an absolute machine! Not only did he snag a copper medal in his division, but he's also a champion snowboarder and cyclist! Talk about an overachiever!
- Cliff Gralton (NSW): Cliff's positive attitude and dedication to the sport paid off with a bronze medal!
- Jocelyn Neumueller (SA): Jocelyn is officially a world champion, bringing home the gold in her division! Amazing work, Jocelyn!
- Mark 'Mono' Stewart (NSW): The legend himself, Mono, competed in his ninth World Championship, adding another copper medal to his already impressive collection!
- Joel Taylor (NSW): Joel showed his veteran experience and skill, earning a silver medal!
- Kirk Watson (NSW): Co-Captain Kirk put in a strong performance and was rewarded with a copper medal!
- Michael Foti (NSW): Foti is always consistent and also put in a strong performance. Foti got to the semis in 2024 and we look forward to watching him compete in the NBPSB 2025 season!
We're incredibly proud of every single member of the Irukandjis team. You've all done Australia proud! A big thank you also goes out to coaches Josh Fuller and Byron Hoskins for their support and guidance.
Did you know that 3 of these team members are NBPSB members too! Our club is the start of the pathway if you are striving to get to the highest level.
We also are just there to have fun and hangout. So do you want to get involved in para surfing? Check out the Northern Beaches Para Surfing Boardriders Club! We welcome surfers of all abilities. Come join the fun and be part of this amazing community!