Pacific Highway Cup: A New Chapter in East Coast Boardriders Competition
One night in February, Avoca Boardriders President Teague Robinson and Vice President Lennox Chell discussed the lack of team competitions on the Central Coast, as reflected in the 2025 Surfing NSW Calendar. They proposed the idea to the Avoca Boardriders Committee, which agreed it was both promising and ambitious. The goal was to bring together the best Boardriders Clubs from across the East Coast for a weekend of elite competition.
Within days, 32 clubs committed, drawn by the chance to win the Pacific Highway Cup and $6,500. Heavyweight clubs and former Australian Team Champions like Avoca Boardriders, North Narrabeen, Merewether, North Shelly, and even Kirra from the Gold Coast signed on, setting the stage for a high-calibre showdown.
The event gained momentum with the backing of major local sponsors:
• Byrne & Sons Painting Services
• Dual Property Projects
• Brian Hilton
Their support enabled a vibrant festival atmosphere, complete with live music. Byrne & Sons installed a stationary wave for photo opportunities and a chance to win a trip for two to Bali, including a week’s accommodation in Uluwatu.
The opening heat on Saturday featured a heavyweight clash between North Narrabeen, North Shelly, Saltwater, and Sawtell. The action continued with Merewether, Kirra, and others, until Avoca Boardriders entered in Heat 4.
Day 1 winners advancing directly to the quarterfinals included: North Narrabeen, Merewether, Avoca, Dee Why, Long Reef, Newport Plus, North Steyne, and local favourites Wamberal Express.
Sunday delivered pumping 6-foot surf, perfect for finals day. After Round 2 and the quarterfinals, the semi-finalists were:
• Semi 1: North Narrabeen, North Shelly, Avoca, Bungan
• Semi 2: North Steyne, Long Reef, North Avalon, Boomerang Beach
The final featured Avoca, North Narrabeen, Long Reef, and North Steyne. All clubs started strong, but Lennox Chell of Avoca turned in one of the best rides of the weekend, giving his team the lead. Avoca then executed flawless time management and team strategy to claim victory.
The winning Avoca 76 team included Teague Robinson, Lennox Chell, Finn Hill, Talia Tebb, Dane Atchison and Noah Hartney, led by team Manager Mick Power.
Again, we thank all our local sponsors and the local community for spectating and supporting the Pacific Highway Cup. Look out for a repeat event next year!
Supporting businesses included: Byrne & Sons Painting Services, Dual Property Projects, Brian Hilton, Billabong, Coastal Recycled Building Materials, Avoca Beach Bowling Club, Copper Electrical, Sojos Mechanical & Tyre Services, Surfing NSW, Channel Islands and Kura Kura House, West Sumbawa.