Jones Beach Boardriders member, 13-year-old Lennox Lindsay, has claimed the Under-14 boys title at the Australian Junior Championships after a nail-biting final.

Competing over seven days in Wollongong, Lindsay surfed all the way to the finals, earning Wave of the Day twice along the way.

In the final, he faced Port Macquarie’s Harry Stephens. Lindsay held a comfortable lead for most of the heat, but with five minutes remaining Stephens posted the highest score of the final - a 7.15 - to snatch the lead.

Still holding priority, Lindsay needed a strong score. With less than a minute on the clock, he took off on a right-hander and delivered a 6.65, reclaiming the win by just 0.12 points.

Jones Beach Boardriders (JBB) President, Hayden Bombaci, said he was beyond proud of the young surfer.

“It’s incredible to have the number one boy in Australia surfing out of our club. Lennox is humble, enthusiastic, and a great role model for our groms. To see him clinch the U14 Boys Final on his very last wave with just one minute to go was electric,” Bombaci said.

“His win shows our juniors that they can shine nationally - even internationally - and that sense of belief is priceless. He’s paving the way for the next generation, especially the boys.”

Bombaci said Lindsay’s maturity in the water is what impresses him most.

“He reads the wave like someone much older, linking turns with speed and flow while keeping his composure in critical sections. That execution earned him Wave of the Day and helped him deliver that clutch final wave to seal the title,” he said.

With the event held close to home at Thirroul Beach, East Corrimal Beach and McCauley’s Beach for the final, Bombaci said the local setting benefitted all JBB competitors.

“Competing on a coastline they know so well gave the team comfort and confidence. Having a cheer squad on the beach was huge - you can’t buy that kind of support. Back-to-back days in small conditions can test your mental endurance, but the familiar sights and sounds of Wollongong definitely put them at ease,” he said.

Female JBB members Alice Hodgson (U18), Lani Cairncross (U16) and Ruby Neill (U14) all reached the semifinals of their divisions, narrowly missing out on a finals berth.

“Our female surfers are the star power of the club right now. They’ve carried the representative torch for years, and it’s been amazing to watch them develop,” Bombaci said.

(From left to right) Lani Cairncross, Ruby Neill and Alice Hodgson all placed equal third nationally for their ages. Photo: Jones Beach Boardriders

“To have Alice, Lani and Ruby all reach the semifinals and finish equal third nationally shows the depth we’ve built and the momentum they’re carrying into the future.”

Bombaci said the club’s success comes from strong family support, a welcoming club environment, and deliberately challenging young surfers by having them compete in open divisions.

“They’re talented, hardworking, and backed by families who ride every high and low with them. At JBB we focus on creating a positive, supportive environment, and competing in opens has sharpened their skills against older, more experienced surfers,” he said.

“In a few years Ruby will no doubt join the opens. That mix of talent, support, and resilience is why they’re thriving on the national stage - and pulling off some classic upsets along the way.”

Bombaci also gave a particular mention to JBB member Geoff Latimar.

“He was on the beach all day supporting and advising the young surfers, as always. He has been a huge part of their success, and he should be proud,” he said.