As the globe continues to come to grips with life after the COVID-19 Pandemic, boarders re-open and international travel resumes, organisers of the annual Usher Cup surf contest are pleased to welcome a host of International Boardriders Clubs to the Gold Coast to take part in the inaugural World Club Challenge.
With Japan’s team announced, our attention this week moves to the United States of America where the Santa Cruz Boardriders from California are preparing for the trip down under.
A non-profit organisation, the Santa Cruz boardriders are passionate about connecting with the community through surfing with the club regularly taking part in contests along the California coastline.
Santa Cruz have announced their four strong team for the Usher Cup with Santa Cruz local, Randy Bonds, affectionately known as “The Kid” leading the charge. Randy scored an impressive maximum heat score of 15.95 across 6 heats, earning the talented surfer with a third-place finish in the Cold-Water Classic semi-finals.
25-Year-old, Ben Coffey has spent his entire life in the water! Growing up in the beachside community of Santa Cruz. Ben’s father Ward Coffey a renowned board shaper heavily influenced the passion and love he has for recreational and competition surfing today.
Currently ranked #135 on the WSL website, Ben has been competing internationally since 2015.
21-year-old professional surfer Eden Edwards is the Santa Cruz teams female representative on tour. Described as “part shark” once in the water, Edwards is an exciting goofy footer who has mastered the art of the bottom turn. Eden is a fierce competitor who enters each contest and surf season a little more aggressive in her approach and execution than the last.
It’s a veteran rounding out the Santa Cruz team with 35-year-old former professional surfer Austin Smith-Ford making a return to competitive surfing after a “low key” professional break. On his day, Austin is a formidable opponent, having tasted competition success in the Oakley Surf Shop Challenge in 2019.
Usher Cup organisers look forward to welcoming the Santa Cruz team and their travelling supporters to the Gold Coast when the Usher Cup is contested at the iconic Snapper Rocks surf break from the 19th to the 22nd of January 2023.
To keep up to date with all the latest Usher Cup News, make sure you visit www.worldclubchallenge.com.au
Usher Cup 2023 is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland & the City Of Gold Coast.