Surfing Queensland TONIC Magazine - Winter 2014 Winter 2014 | Page 11

TONIC | news Bradnam’s Windows & Doors Queensland Longboard Titles presented by HIF The Sunshine Coast’s Nic Jones claimed the prestigious Open Men’s State Title at the Bradnam’s Windows & Doors Queensland Longboard Titles, presented by HIF, outclassing a star-studded aggregate final against Joel Tilley (Burleigh Heads, QLD), Matthew Benson (Yeppoon, QLD) and Patrick O’Leary (Golden Beach, QLD) respectively to win the prestigious blue ribbon division. “Coming into the Queensland State Titles, I really wanted to get some practice in before I head to The Whalebones Classic in Perth which is the ASP Longboard Qualify Series,” said Jones. “I’m currently leading the Longboard Qualifying Series so taking the win here leading up to Whalebones is giving me a lot of confidence which hopefully translates to a spot on the Longboard World Tour,” Jones continued. Jones has stamped his position in the Queensland team for the Open Men’s and Mixed Loggers division, giving him another opportunity to better his Third place finish from last year’s Australian Longboard Titles. Also Joining Jones in the Open Men’s and Mixed Loggers division is Matthew Benson (Yeppoon, QLD), Patrick O’leary (Golden Beach, QLD) and Joel Tilley (Burleigh Heads, QLD). longboarders and to gain more competitive experience,” said Benson. “Obviously it was a dream of mine to represent Queensland at the Australian Titles so qualifying for both divisions means so much, especially when you’re up against the strong talent I’ve been faced with in my heats,” he continued. after taking two wins from two divisions and again enforcing his reputation as performer in any age division. Queensland will field a team of over 40 surfers to compete at the forthcoming Australian Titles in longboard divisions. The Gold Coast’s Mark McNamara cemented his name alongside longboarding’s best “I entered this event with no real motive, more-so to see where I would stack up against the rest of the Queensland surfingqueensland.com.au winter Issue – 11