With the start of a new chapter and the beginning of Race One Surf Craft, it’s the continuation of my valued partnership with what was formerly The Waterman Store and prior to that JM Paddleboards. I can’t write about this without talking about how it started. As a small young U14 kid, Darren (Daz) & Jordie Mercer got me onto my first JM and my board paddling went to the next level with a lot of hard work, determination, great coaching and advice over the years. Since then I’ve had over 10 boards, all with the shape, colours and design I love. I am very meticulous and picky when it comes to it being perfect. I’ve achieved some cool things however, the best of them all was winning my first Open Australian Board Race Title in the tough conditions at Perth in 2023.
It was a roller coaster of a season and I really started to hit my straps down in Sydney in January putting together some really nice board races. Perth was the perfect conditions for me where there was nowhere to hide in the flat. After consistently finishing in the top few in all the qualifying rounds and winning the semi, I was feeling really good heading into the final. When I stood on the line I wasn’t overly nervous but knew what had to be done and what it was going to take. I had a great start and when I hit the front a third of the way out, I never looked back. On the way home I had no idea I had broken away from the field, it felt like everyone was right on me and when I stood up at the beach I had a look around and the rest is history.
I can’t thank Jo Percy (one of the owners of Race One) enough for believing in me, backing me in and looking after me when JM changed hands to being under the umbrella of The Waterman Store to the new ownership of Race One. With a new company name, it doesn’t change the shape of board I paddle (which I’d never change for the world) which this great company Race One has allowed me to do. While riding the same quality boards under the new name, I’m very much excited for what’s to come in the future. Forever grateful to Race One for your support and belief in me.
Achievements
- 1st place Open Board Race 2023 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
- Finalist Open Ironman 2022 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (12th)
- Recipient Dean Mercer Perpetual Trophy 2022 (Youngest Open Ironman Aussie Finalist)
- Finalist Open Board Race 2022 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (10th)
- 1st place Open 4km Board 2018,19,20,21 & 22, U19 2019,20, U17 2017,18 QLD State Endurance Surf Life Saving Championships
- 1st place U19 Board Race 2021 Queensland State Surf Life Saving Championships
- 1st place U17 Board Race 2018 Queensland State Surf Life Saving Championships
- 6th place U17 Board Race 2018 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
- 2nd place U15 Board Race 2017 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
- 2nd place Open Board Relay 2023 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
- 2nd place Open Board Rescue 2022 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
- 3rd place Open Board Relay 2020 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
- 2nd place Open Board Relay 2023 Queensland State Surf Life Saving Championships
- 3rd place Open Board Relay 2022 Queensland State Surf Life Saving Championships
- 2nd place U19 Board Relay 2020 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships