The lengthy wait was well worth it for Kiama bodyboarder Sophie Leathers after she was victorious at the inaugural women’s final of the Shark Island Challenge.

Located off the coast of Cronulla, Shark Island is a rock reef renowned for producing one of Australia’s most dangerous and unpredictable waves - and it served as the dramatic setting for the long-awaited competition which draws competitors from around the world.

Originally scheduled to take place between April 28 and June 30, the event window was extended to ensure the contest would run in peak conditions. 

Sophie was invited on March 4, making it feel almost poetic that the event finally went ahead exactly four months later to the day.

“It ended up going ahead four months to the day of when I got invited, so it was literally just months of anxiety - and by the end of it, I was just ready for anything,” said Sophie.

Although she only received the official confirmation three days before the event, Sophie had a feeling it was going to run that weekend. 

Sophie (right) with fellow competitor Rio Clarke. Photo: Sam Venn

“I could tell just from the forecast. It was the end of the East Coast Low, which meant it was going to be big,” she said.

And it was big. “It was crazy. It was a really good size - probably four to six feet all day - but the conditions were changing heaps. I was watching it, trying to work out where I should sit. I’ve only surfed there a few times, and it’s just such an unpredictable wave,” Sophie said.

Eventually, she stopped overthinking. “I got to the point where I was like, I’m just going to surf. There’s no point over-analysing, because you don’t really know what you’re going to get.”

The women’s heat was held just before the men’s final and was originally set to be an all-Kiama showdown - until local legend Lily Pollard was forced to withdraw due to injury.

“She got injured a month ago with a serious lung injury, and I know how badly she wanted to be there,” said Sophie.

“She’s really paved the way for women’s bodyboarding in Australia, especially at Shark Island - she’s been out there against the guys before. She inspired me to do it, and I reckon she’ll be back next year, sending it as hard as ever.”

Sophie and Rio in the water together. Photo: Sam Venn

Western Australian bodyboarder Rio Clarke stepped in to replace Lily. Sophie said her own performance was full of wipeouts, but her first and last waves secured her the win.

“It was pretty much my first wave and last wave that were the highest scores - everything in between was a wipeout,” she laughed.

“Honestly, my favourite waves of the whole comp were the wipeouts. Just paddling into a wave and getting taken out - it’s so addictive. There’s so many little things you can tweak to improve it. The feeling, the energy of the wave, it’s pretty surreal.”

Now, Sophie is hoping her win will earn her a spot in the 2026 event - and she’s keen to see the women’s field grow.

“It’s definitely a risky and high-consequence wave, but at the same time, there’s still that point where you can push yourself.

"I’m super keen to hopefully get the invite again next year, and if they can get some of these other girls in too, I think it’ll be a crazy show.”