Champions have been crowned at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships presented by Forward Ability Support, where the world’s top adaptive surfers put on a spectacular display of skill and resilience in the pristine waves of Byron Bay.
The event brought together an elite field of adaptive surfers, celebrating athletic excellence, determination, and the continued rise of adaptive surfing worldwide.
Entering the event as defending Prone Assist Champion, Kai Colless was also riding a wave of momentum after securing his first Australian Para Surfing Title earlier in the week.
Consistently dropping high wave scores throughout the competition, Colless carried this form into Finals Day, posting an 8.17 to surpass close rival Joel Taylor and claim victory at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships.
Kai Colless said, “It was hard out there, and difficult to pick a good wave. There were a few I had where I couldn’t get the end section on, but luckily, I found two that were really good. I even got a little barrel in there it was sick!”
History was made earlier in the week when 5 X World Champion Jocelyn Neumueller earned the event’s first perfect 10-point ride.
Heading into the Women’s Prone Assist Final, Neumueller was the competitor to beat, and she continued to raise the bar for the division, earning a near perfect 9.57 point ride to convincingly win the Women’s Prone Assist Title.
Reflecting on the growing standard of competition, Jocelyn Neumueller said, “It’s sick just to have the opportunity to surf waves at the pass in a contest, and then to see the other girls ripping as well. It’s great to see Annie and Ashley pushing the level of surfing every time they come out, it’s just so great to be a part of.”
“It’s a real team effort in the Prone Assist division, not only in the contest but week to week to get out and train, it definitely wouldn’t be possible without the team here as well as my team back home that makes it happen, so a huge thank you to everyone who makes it possible.”
Jack Jackson made a mark in the adaptive surfing world this week, celebrating back to back wins at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships, and the Australian Para Surfing Titles.
His consistency and adaptability in shifting conditions proved key to his success, posting a 7.33 and a 6.83 to win the Blind / Partial Vision Impaired Final, capping off an eventful competition week.
Jack Jackson said, “It feels so good to have back-to-back wins. I’m glad the swell picked up for today, it was so much fun. I’ve had heaps of ups and downs this event, day three was nearly flat, then we have pumping waves like today!”
Among the standout competitors was 4X World Para Surfing Champion, best-selling author, and motivational speaker, Sam Bloom.
At the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships, Bloom showcased her elite skill and competitive drive, claiming victory in the Women’s Unassisted Prone final.
“The participation at these events has gotten so much bigger, when I first competed in 2018, I was with the girls, but also surfing in with the boys, because there weren’t enough girls. There’s heaps of new people here this year which is great,” Sam said.
Barbara Garcia was overwhelmed with pride and emotion after her winning performance in the Women’s Kneeling division. In tricky conditions at The Pass, with plenty of swell and sweep, Garcia’s win showcased the depth of talent within the women’s field, highlighting the continued progress of adaptive surfing on the global stage.
Barbara Garcia said, “I feel so happy and emotional. The whole adaptive surfing community has worked so hard to have a professional platform, and this is the outcome. To be in tricky conditions like it was out there today, and have all the girls out there – I’m so proud.”
Three times World Champion Jesse Billauer has been named one of the most inspirational surfers on the planet and is an influential speaker and motivator for adaptive sport.
At only 17, on the verge of becoming a professional surfer, Billauer’s life changed in an instant when he hit a shallow sandbar while surfing, leaving him paralysed.
Despite the life-altering injury, Billauer has carved out a remarkable career in adaptive surfing, becoming a global advocate for the sport and an inspiration to athletes worldwide. Competing in Byron Bay for the first time, Billuer earned a 9.17 and a 7.67, claiming victory in the Men’s Prone Assist Final.
Jesse Billauer said, “They saved the best weather for the last day and pumping waves; we got pretty blessed. I’m stoked to be here in Byron Bay for my first time, and I got number one so that’s even better!”
The Championships not only showcased world-class talent but also reinforced the vital role adaptive surfing plays in promoting resilience, community, and greater opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
