NA PAPA AUSSIE TITLES 2008

NA PAPA AUSSIE TITLES FRI 29th August 2008

Story by Michael Tyrpenou, Surfing NSW

Dreams were realised and champions crowned today at Port Macquarie as the best surfers in the country put it all on the line on the final day of the Na Papa Australian Surfmasters Titles.

With the two week Country Energy Australian Surf Festival culminating today at Town Beach, in excellent one-metre conditions, the action that transpired was of the highest order.

19-year-old Dane Atcheson (Copacabana, NSW) on the wave that sealed his first Na Papa Australian Surfmasters crown. Needing an eight-point ride with only seconds remaining, Atcheson not only got the score, but the title as well

Taking out the Over 28 Men's division of the Na Papa Australian Surfmasters Titles today at Port Macquarie was event standout, and former ASP World Tour athlete, Toby Martin (Dee Why, NSW). Martin demolished all before today, en-route to his first Na Papa Australian crown

With his last wave of the Over 35 Men's final, at the Na Papa Australian Surfmasters Title, Brett Bannister (North Narrabeen, NSW) claimed the title with an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10).

Jenny Boggis (Lennox Head, NSW) stands proudly as the 2008 Na Papa Open Women's and Over 28's Australian champion after a mesmerising display at Port Macquarie today

In the blue ribbon event, the Open Men's, it was Dane Atcheson (Copacabana, NSW) who snatched victory from 2007 Na Papa Australian champion Matt Bemrose (Curl Curl, NSW) in the dying seconds.

"I don't know what to say," Atcheson said after defeating Bemrose, Stephen Walsh (Lennox Head, NSW) and Trevor Tripcony (Sunshine Coast, QLD) in the all-star final.

"I'm speechless."

Needing an excellent score to take the Na Papa Australian title back home to the Central Coast of NSW, Atcheson majestically attacked one of the biggest waves of the day, as it rose toward him with under a minute remaining.

2007 Na Papa Australian champion Matt Bemrose (Curl Curl, NSW) was unlucky to finish second in the Open Men's division. A form surfer throughout, Bemrose had one hand on the title until Dane Atcheson took it away.

Vic Levett (North Steyne, NSW) had a memorable day at the Na Papa Australian Surfmasters Titles today finishing fourth overall in the Over 45 Men's division and second in the Over 40's.

Joel Spillane (Long Reef, NSW) finished fourth in the Over 28 Men's division of the Na Papa Australian Surfmasters Titles today at Port Macquarie.

The rest is history.

"I was just sitting out there hoping that a wave would come, I honestly thought it was over," he added after getting a nine-point ride on his last wave, sealing the title.

Now Australia's best amateur surfer, Atcheson is looking to take his success at Port Macquarie into the rest of the year.

"This is easily the best result of my career, it gives me the biggest confidence booster going into the rest of the Pro Junior events for the year."

With possibly the most outstanding performance of the entire Country Energy Australian Surf Festival, Jenny Boggis (Lennox Head, NSW) took out two Na Papa Australian Titles today.

Winning the Open Women's and Over 28's divisions, Boggis was on-fire.

"It feels fantastic," when asked about her success at the Na Papa Australian Surfmasters Titles.

"Conditions weren't the best, but we had such a great week and I am so stoked right now."

Finishing in front of Melissa Sherringham (Wamberal, NSW), Lara Reading (Wallabi Point, NSW) and Leah Wright (Geraldton, WA) in the Open Women's final; and Michelle Richens (Rye, VIC), Ladine Smith (Killarney Vale, NSW) and Roslyn Franklin (Mermaid Beach, QLD) in the Over 28's final.

"I planned to get a good start in both my heats and I was lucky enough to get a couple of good waves at the beginning of each."

"I'll be back for sure next year to defend both titles," Boggis said.

"I can't wait."

Former ASP World Tour surfer Toby Martin (Dee Why, NSW) took out the Over 28 Men's division, while Glenn Bitton (Yamba, NSW)) Brett Bannister (North Narrabeen, NSW), David Sparenburg (Ballina, NSW), Max Perrot (Lennox Head, NSW) and Brent Moss (Secret Harbour, WA) won Na Papa Australian titles in the Open Kneeboard, Over 35, 40, 45 and 50's divisions respectively.

Sandra English (Budgewoi, NSW) etched her name into the record books today by claiming her ninth Na Papa Australian Title after winning the Over 35 Women's final in style.

As the two-week Country Energy Australian Surf Festival closes the curtain on 2008, it will forever be remembered by awesome waves and a all-star cast upon the shores of the Hastings River.

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