A “stoked” Joel Vaughan captured the biggest win of his young career in claiming the Burton Automotive Pro at Merewether Beach at the weekend.
The North Shelly rider mastered the semi-clean two-to-three-foot surf to lift the prestigious Surfest crown from George Pittar.
In the Speaking in Colour Pro, Bronte Macaulay overpowered adopted Novocastrian Sarah Baum to snare the women’s title.
It was a massive day of competition with regional Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000 winners being decided, too, as well as qualifiers for the 2023 Challenger Series (CS).
Vaughan entered the men’s decider with serious momentum after he posted the highest heat total of the entire event with an incredible aerial display in his semi-final triumph over Reef Heazlewood.
In the finale, both he and Pittar had the pressure of CS qualification alleviated and they were able to focus on one thing… winning.
In the end, the 35-minute match-up was dominated by Vaughan as his rival struggled to find a rhythm.
He posted a two-wave total of 13.83, which proved too much for Pittar to chase down.
“If you told me this morning that I would win this event I wouldn’t have believed you,” Vaughan said.
“The win along with the CS qualification is amazing.
“It was so cool for everyone from North Shelly to be up here on the beach supporting me – it definitely gave me that boost of confidence.
“I’ve had a good run this year for the most part and this is the cherry on top.”
The women’s showdown was a familiar sight with 2020 champion Macaulay taking on 2022 runner-up Baum.
With both competitors already finding spots on the Challenger Series in 2023, the final was all about pride.
Eventually, Macaulay picked up her second victory to join the likes of Sally Fitzgibbons, Mick Fanning, Tom Carrol and Mark Occhilupo among others, as a two-time Surfest winner.
“There is something so special about this place – I just love it,” she said.
“I’ve had a great week here catching up with friends and competing, it’s been so good.
“I’m keen to get started on the Challenger Series and find my way back onto the Championship Tour.
“I want to keep working on improving my surfing and I’ll need to if I want to get back on top.”
South African-born Baum has called Newcastle home for more than five years and her connection with the local community was evident during the final as the crowd got behind her.
However, she struggled to find the waves but capped off an impressive regional series with a win and a second at the two QS 5,000s this year.
“It’s been a good start to 2023 for me, so I’m really happy to keep my performance up,” Baum said.
“It’s so special to compete here with so much support, it’s definitely my favourite event on the calendar.
“I have improved year after year on the Challenger Series and I’m hoping the next improvement will put me in the top five and on the top level next year.”
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