THE VW State Classic 2026 wrapped up on the Coffs Coast over the weekend after delivering one of the strongest editions of the event to date.
The NSW Surfing State Championships ran from 18 to 23 May, spread across venues from Arrawarra to Sawtell, Macauleys Beach to the Jetty.
Every division from Under 12s through to Over 70s was represented.
Significant swell pumped through the region all week, testing competitors across every division and venue.
The Coffs Coast also showcased its remarkable surfing versatility.
While six foot surf hammered the open beaches, the protected waters of the Coffs Harbour Boat Ramp kept the younger divisions safely in the water.
Surfing NSW CEO Lucas Townsend said the event has become a landmark on the national calendar.
“The State Classic has quickly become one of the country’s largest grassroots surfing events,” Mr Townsend said.
“Every discipline, every region and every generation of surfers converges on Coffs Harbour for a week that reflects the scale and depth of surfing in New South Wales.”
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said the event delivered on every front.
“It was a spectacular showpiece that embraced the grassroots community aspect of the sport,” Mayor Williams said.
“Athletes ranging from groms to seasoned veterans tackled the waves in a city renowned for its beach culture and warm welcome.”
Standout moments came thick and fast across six days of surfing.
In the juniors, Ben Zanatta posted a 9.5 in heavy surf before backing it up with a 9.13 in the Under 18 Boys final to claim the title.
Poppy O’Reilly took the Under 18 Girls for the second year running.
The Grainger sisters – Chloe and Mila – impressed in Under 12 and Under 14 Girls finals.
Hamish Harrigan won the Under 16 Boys in front of a hometown crowd that made themselves heard all morning.
Another highlight came from 12-year-old Avalon surfer Maverick Macgugan, who claimed the Under 14 Boys title for the third consecutive year.
It was a performance beyond his years in demanding conditions.
“I love catching up with all my surfing mates from all over NSW and competing with the best surfers in the state,” Macgugan said.
“There is a huge variety of waves on offer in Coffs during big swells like this and the Jetty was cool because we were still allowed to compete in safe conditions.”
In the masters, Dean Bowen spent the week as head of water safety before stepping into the Over 30 Men’s final and winning it with a near-perfect 9-point ride.
The Open Men’s final came down to 0.06 of a point, with Dom Thomas from Newcastle edging Van Whiteman for the title.
At Arrawarra, the longboard divisions produced technically brilliant surfing across three days of challenging conditions.
Jason Livingstone won the Over 50 Men’s title – his 15th NSW State Title by his own count.
He didn’t have it all his own way however, with Alan Morrison finally breaking a two-year losing streak against Livingstone to take the Over 55 Men’s longboard crown.
Will Crowe posted a heat score of 16.00 in the Open Men’s final, while Amy Main came in from the Open Women’s final not knowing she’d won.
St Francis Xavier College dominated the High Schools division, winning both the Senior and Junior Boys titles. Every school division winner has qualified for the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in Margaret River, WA in December.
By Kate PYE
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