Open State Championships

Wednesday 01 March 2023

Over 220 competitors will contest events in the water and on the sand, seeking to be crowned Tasmanian champion for the 2022/23 season. Age categories of Under 15 through to Open will see some of Tasmania’s most talented surf sports competitors in action.

The ironman and ironwomen events see competitors battling it out across swim, board and ski disciplines. The open men’s event is set to be a battle between Clifton Beach’s James Fullarton and Dan Reardon and Carlton Park’s Sam Castle. In the open female event, the Clifton Beach trio of Cate and Mary Clingeleffer and Maya Chapman may prove too strong for Ulverstone’s Oceania Eustace. Burnie member, Georgia Askew has returned from the Gold Coast looking to create an upset.

Tasmania has produced some of the best surf ski paddlers in Australia and the line up in this year’s championship is no different. Warwick Lovell from Clifton Beach returns to defend his title, whilst Sam Norton, competing under the Northcliffe cap, and Burnie’s Brennan Machen will make the open men’s ski race a feature event. In the women’s ski, Clifton Beach coach Courtney Dowling is the current open female champion but will be challenged by Cate Clingeleffer and Georgia Askew.

Surf boat crews will complete five rounds to determine the champion male and female crews.

Carnival referee, Craig Mackinnon said, “The forecast conditions should make for exciting racing and test the competitors’ skills in the surf. This will be the last chance for our Tasmanian competitors to have a hit out before heading to Perth for the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships later this month.”

Open State Championships