THE Port Macquarie Bodyboarding Association (PMBA) is once again well-represented in the NSW team for the Raw Australasian Titles, which start at Queensland’s Duranbah Beach next week.
Seventeen PMBA members will compete in five divisions with current Australasian champions Charlie Holt (cadets) moving on to the juniors and Chase O’Leary (juniors) now in the opens.
“The junior division is very hotly-contested with the club filling nine spots in the NSW top 10, including state titleholder Luke Blundell, who’s chomping at the bit to go all the way with a national crown,” PMBA media liaison Sean Hall said.
“After a brilliant finish in his first pro event earlier this year, Scott Breheny will definitely be one to watch, as well as the “quiet achiever” of the PMBA crew Liam McLennan.
“And, following his national success in the cadets in 2008, we’re sure Charlie (Holt) will go all out for back-to-back titles.
“Jesi Robinson is also looking to improve on his second in the ‘Nats’ last year and, along with Blake McKenzie, Samuel Rutherford, Jake Chelman and Nick Potts, don’t be surprised to see an all-PMBA juniors final.”
Hall said PMBA had produced many junior women’s Australian champions too.
“This year, we’re well-represented by two outstanding competitors in Julia Jackson and Jade Charnock,” he explained.
“In the cadets, PMBA’s Cody Charnock is going from strength-to-strength with his bodyboarding and is joined by seasoned campaigner Kurt Gillan.
“If pro circuit success and raw determination are any indication, this could well be the year for Sam Bennett to finally secure a national crown in the very competitive opens division.
“Chase (O’Leary), who’s looking to make it back-to-back titles, is surfing powerfully and along with Brodie Gillan will make for an exciting battle to wrest the tag away from Central Coast journeyman Shaun Peterson.”
Before heading off to the main event, O’Leary and Holt have a wonderful opportunity to broaden their skills base after being selected by IBA and Surfing Australia to attend the SEP Bodyboarding Elite Performance Camp at Casurina this week.
One of the great stories to come out of the ‘road to the Nationals’ involves PMBA’s Jon Capilli.
Already with a NSW drop knee title under his belt and a huge effort in winning the DK Pro at the second round of the State Championships, he is determined to continue his terrific form.
“I can taste it,” Capilli said.
“I’m bringing that champion DK trophy home to Port.”
After beating current pro national titleholder Glen “Sully” Sullivan this year, Capilli looks set to make it happen in 2009.
He is also competing in the senior men’s division in what will be a busy time for the PMBA stalwart.
“All the members, helpers and committee wish our competitors the best of luck,” Hall said.
“We’re all very proud and none more so than hard-working president Jim Rutherford.
“PMBA has had enormous success at the elite level since its beginnings in the late 1980s, assisted by the support of a dedicated team of sponsors.
“Thanks go out to InnerVision, TURBO, Aussie Home Loans, Saltwater Wine Surf, Scampi’s Restaurant, Blue Water Legal, 2MC and Star FM, Coles, Dominoes Pizza and many more.
“We are also very grateful for the support of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in the form of the Mayor’s Sporting Fund.”
It’s nearly been a year since the sport bade farewell to PMBA and NSW Bodyboarding founder John Eppelstun.
But, his legacy lives on, according to Hall.
“We’re proud to announce that in memory of John, a new scholarship has been established to assist a worthy NSW cadet with financial support for state and national entry fess through the John Eppo Cadetship,” he said.
“We’re hoping John’s son Michael, Australia’s first world champion, will be able to make the presentation at this year’s National’s “black tie” night at the Gold Coast’s Twin Towers.”
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