Boys fight to surf for WA

Two Mandurah youths who have made a splash on the bodyboarding scene will battle it out for a chance to represent WA at the Australian Bodyboarding Championships.

Teens Matthew Hanks, 12, and Henry Gibson, 13, are set to compete next month at Scarborough beach in the last of three rounds of the Sunsmart WA Bodyboarding Titles under-14s grommets division.

The boys have been left on equal points after both securing first and third places, with Henry winning the first round in Margaret River and Matthew winning the second round at Pyramids beach in Mandurah.

Matthew said he started bodyboarding two-and-a-half years ago after his uncle surprised him with a board for his birthday.

“I started body boarding and I just fell in love with it,” he said.

Henry said he had grown up at the beach and, after originally starting out as a surfer, he switched to bodyboarding at age 10 and had not looked back.

“I reckon the way you ride is more fun than surfing,” he said.

Matthew said making the national team had not crossed his mind until the last meet.

“I never thought I would have a chance at making the national team until I won the last competition, so I was pretty happy,” he said. “I’m pretty competitive, but I enjoy it more for the fun of it.”

To secure the points, Matt said he impressed the judges with barrel rolls and barrels, while Henry showed off his carves and spins.

Henry said he was “stoked” when he won the first round and was starting to feel a bit nervous about the final meet.

But despite the opportunity up for grabs, the Mandurah Bodyboard Club boys said they would be happy to see each other go through to the championships.

Whoever wins will have the chance to show off their talent at the championships, to be held at Coff’s Harbour in New South Wales.