The Tasmanian State Team battled all conditions at the Open and Youth Interstate Championships and the Super Surf Teams League (SSTL) on 9-11 January 2026.

The team put in a courageous effort with some big results across the weekend. 

In the U17 Interstates competition, Annie Howard (Burnie SLSC) won the Youth Female Single Ski event. Anderson Towns (Penguin SLSC) placed third in the U17 Men’s Surf Race and Phoebe Woodhouse also finished third in the Open Women’s Single Ski event on Friday. The best among the relay teams was the Youth Mixed 4 Person Surf Ski team (Anneke Kleywegt, Annie Howard, Joseph Farrell and Charlie Doyle) who just missed out on a podium. 

The Super Surf Teams League took place on Saturday and Sunday with the TAS Sea Dragons being represented in both the U17 and Open racing. 

Among the best results, Phoebe Woodhouse replicated her Interstates result with a third place in the Open Women’s Surf Ski event.

Hudson Hyland-Wealands (Penguin SLSC) and Charlie Doyle (Clifton Beach SLSC) also claimed third place in the U17 Male Beach Flags and U17 Male Board race respectively.

The Open team finished with 58 points from both days of racing, and the U17 team finished with 28 points. 

State Team Manager Shane Askew said the team performances helped provide a great boost to confidence.

“Annie Howard had a breakthrough win mastering the conditions, Team captain Phoebe Woodhouse was inspirational in her captaincy, leading by example and supporting all team members. Hudson Hyland-Wealand found his groove in the flags and snagged a 3rd against the current Australian champions.

“A highlight was the Open Mixed 8 Person Ocean M Relay on the Sunday, where TAS Sea Dragons finished 8th out of 15 teams with some teams not finishing,” Askew said.

With the tough conditions all weekend, Askew was proud of each athletes’ effort in representing the state.

“Whilst the conditions were very testing for all competitors, our team charged hard, none of them took a back step and grew in confidence each time they entered the water. The opportunity to watch the best in the business adds invaluable learning.”