PARK BEACH delivered a postcard-perfect backdrop on Saturday, 15 November as it played host to the annual Coffs Harbour Craft Carnival.
Serving as a leg of the 2025 World Ocean Series, the carnival was presented by the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club (CHSLSC).
A large crowd lined the foreshore to witness Australia’s top surf sport athletes go head-to-head.
While the day featured world-class open events, it was also a celebration of the next generation.
Under 15 and Under 17 board, ski, and ironperson finals showcased an exciting new wave of surf athletes from across Queensland and New South Wales, many racing in Coffs for the first time.
For locals, there was plenty to cheer for.
Coffs Harbour competitors featured strongly across junior and senior divisions, including standout efforts from Kai Vigors, Poppy Barclay, Abbey Lawler, Maddsion O’Leary, Ethan Dawson, Aaron Beavis, Grant McConnell, and Payton Lawler.
CHSLSC President Ryan Bear said the atmosphere was electric.
“Coffs Harbour has a long, proud surf lifesaving history, and hosting a World Ocean Series round here allows us to showcase that on a national stage,” Bear said.
“The surf was fair, the racing was fast, and the support along Park Beach was unbelievable.
“Our volunteers worked tirelessly to make this event happen, and today has absolutely shown what our community is capable of.”
The open divisions brought electric racing, with stacked fields that read like a national championship final.
The men’s Open Ironperson saw Surfers Paradise talent Finn Askew claim the win in a commanding performance, with Mermaid Beach’s Conner Maggs and Maroochydore’s Byron Dieckmann rounding out an elite podium.
Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park dominated across the day, securing many top-10 finishes to further their reputation as a surf sports powerhouse.
In the Open Female Ironperson, Northcliffe legend Lana Rogers once again proved why she remains one of the sport’s most consistent champions, taking out the final with trademark control.
Burleigh Heads’ Bella Williams and Northcliffe’s Lily Finati produced classy races to secure second and third.
The Open Board events were equally fierce.
Mermaid Beach’s Cruz McKee powered home to win the men’s board final, while Newport’s Analise Kibble claimed victory in the women’s board after a polished, tactical display in testing late-afternoon conditions.
World Ocean Series Race Director Ben Cochrane praised both the venue and the event hosts.
“Bringing the World Ocean Series back to Coffs Harbour is always a highlight for athletes and officials,” Cochrane said. “Park Beach gives us reliable surf, a natural amphitheatre for spectators, and a club that understands how to run a professional major event.
“The athletes love coming here.
“Today reinforced why this stop is one of the most important rounds in the entire series.”
Cochrane said the depth of racing in the junior divisions stood out as a major positive.
“The Under 15 and Under 17 athletes were exceptional,” he said.
“You can see the future of Australian surf sports in these races.
“The talent is deep, the coaching is strong, and events like this give them a platform to perform.”
By David WIGLEY
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