Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Test Series 2024 – Results

Australian Surf Boat Team continue Trans-Tasman Dominance

The Australian Surf Boat crews successfully defended the Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Test Series title, at Lorne, Victoria this weekend taking victory in ten of the 12 races. 

Australia took victory in all four divisions across the Open and U23 categories in a dominate statement and day of racing.  

Bulli Gold won the Open Men (3-0), Currumbin Cockatoos the Open Women (2-1), Maroochydore Force the U23 men’s event (3-0) and Glenelg Grenades in the U23 womens event (2-1). 

“It was an honour to lead the four Australian teams into this Series and I was particularly proud of how the U23s were able to battle for success over their Kiwi counterparts in some tight racing,” Australian Team Captain Shane Geloven (Bulli, NSW). 

In relation to his own crew Bulli Gold, Geloven said it was one of their toughest races ever. 

“It was an amazing day of racing. Three of the hardest races we’ve competed in in a long time with the Kiwi’s snapping at our heels but we managed to skip away on a few runners which was great,” said Geloven. 

The Currumbin Cockatoos were successful in the Open Women category with Sweep Matthew Wildman saying that his team put everything into preparation for representing Australia. 

“It was such a great experience. The management went to extra lengths to make it special and it was and I now understand why the Cockatoos put in so much work to win the selection to represent Australia,” said Wildman. “Best of all is the friendship made with the Aussie team and the Kiwis”.  

The New Zealand team’s strength was especially present in the U23 events with the racing incredibly close. Michael Brooks, Maroochydore Force’s paid tribute to both his crew and their opposition. 

“They were incredibly strong and it was awesome to see how close they were to us and how hard we had to fight to win this year. It was probably the most incredible day I’ve had in Surf Boats.  

“The hype and everything leading into the event, how it was organised, all the attention on the beach was just incredible,” Brooks added. 

The U23 Glenelg Grenades had to come from behind to claim victory after losing their opening round. In the second, they were able to ride a wave from the back to just edge out the Kiwis on the line and then take the third and deciding race.  

“In the last round the girls had a perfect row,” said Sweep Peter Tidswell. “There was nothing in it at the cans, both teams turned the cans together and were neck-and-neck all the way home but we were able to inch away in no surf with no assistance”. 

Overall Point Score: 

Open Men: 3-0

Open Women: 2-1

Overall Combined Open Result: 5-1

U23 Development Team Men: 3-0

U23 Development Team Women: 2-1

Overall Combined U23 Development Team Result: 5-1