WA Jarryd Foster in training
Jackson Close in WA in 2005
The 21st Annual Australian Longboard Titles 2006 Yallingup Beach 14 – 15 October
Place of love will see no love lost in the water as 21st National longboard titles draws near.
The 21st Annual Australian Longboard Titles will be contested at Yallingup beach from Monday the 16th of October.
The week long event will see around180 competitors from all corners of Australia converge on the infamous break to compete at one of the worlds most renowned long board waves.
Yallingup, a small coastal town situated 266km south west of Perth is famous not only for it’s waves, but the region also boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Home to one of the oldest caves in the region and flora and fauna that is unique to Western Australia, competitors and spectators will have an abundance of resources at their hands with Yallingup offering more to visitors than it’s pristine waves.
While the competitors from each of the states around Australia are gearing up for war on water, the name “Yallingup” is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning "Place of Love."
The town itself came into being through the discovery of Ngili Caves by Edward Dawson in 1899, who stumbled upon them while searching for missing horses.
This area and its caves are rich in Aboriginal history and a ceremonial ‘returning of the land’ to its traditional owners will be occurring on the first weekend of these titles in recognition of the historical and cultural significance of Yallingup to the Aboriginal people.
For over 50 years surfers have been making their way from Perth and around the world to ride Yallingup’s long breaking waves, which are perfect for longboarders.
The Australian Longboard Titles were last held at Yallingup in 2001 and the area has a strong connection with longboard riding. Veteran longboarder Bob Monkman hails from Yallingup and the multi – national title winner will once again feature in the Over 55’s division of this years titles in his home town.
The 2006 Australian Longboard Titles in Yallingup will not only be a great opportunity to experience the famous surf of the WA south west coast, but also the cultural and geographical features the region is renown for.
The break itself can provide rideable surf from two to ten feet (0.2 to 3.5 meters) and contest organizers have also secured access and usage of other breaks in the region to allow competitors the best possible surf conditions for the event.
Should the Competition Director determine that the expected conditions for any days surfing not be conducive to the competition requirements, he shall have the option of relocating the event to either Injidup, (south of Yallingup) or the “Farm,” (at Eagle Bay). Where possible, any change of venue will be announced the previous night at Caves House.
The 21st Annual Australian Longboard Titles is proudly supported by Eventscorp, Department of Sport and Recreation, , Tooheys Extra Dry, Coca Cola Amatil, 92.9, Sunsmart, Shire of Busselton, Leeuwin Estate Wines, Yallingup Beach Holiday Park and Surfing WA.
