Locals win indigenous surfing titles

A pair of Geelong surfers won their divisions in an Woorrangalook Victorian Koori Surf Titles at Urquhart Bluff at the weekend.
Blake Schlensog won the under-18 boys division and Corrina O’Toole took out the women’s masters title.
Organisers said 100 indigenous surfers from across the state gathered at the bluff for the 16th annual titles.
“Communities represented at the event included East Gippland, Dimboola, Portland and the South West, Bendigo, Sheparton, Metropolitan Melbourne, Bass Coast, Mornington Peninsula and a strong contingent from the local Geelong and Surf Coast.
“The event was opened on Saturday by the Deadly Dancers from the local Wathaurong community and cleansed with a traditional smoking ceremony.
“This was followed by learn to surf sessions where all of the participants were given a skills and a water safety lesson.
“Conditions were perfect with a small swell and sunny skies.”
In the afternoon the junior competitive divisions were finalised including the open women and masters women.
Sunday was met with slightly increased swell and the masters men division was completed, followed by the blue-ribbon division, open men.
Sandy Point’s Jordie Campbell earned a wildcard into Easter’s Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach when he won the open men’s title for the eighth time.
Lakes Entrance’s Amber Harrison won the women’s open title.