Symmans has double shot at titles

Albany bodyboard sensation Noah Symmans has his eyes set on a maiden national crown at Coffs Harbour next month after confirming his place in the event with a dominant performance in round 3 of the WA Bodyboard Titles at the weekend.

Symmans made the most of small but contestable waves at Trigg Beach in the deciding round of the State series as he carved his way to impressive scores in the open men's and under-18 junior boys' divisions.

Having already clinched the under-18 junior boys State title courtesy of wins in the opening two rounds at Yallingup and Mandurah, Symmans surfed with freedom in the four-man final on his way to victory.

The 16-year-old scored 12.85 points in the final to defeat Lochie Breakey (10.03), Josh Peters (9.67) and Nathan Hutchins (7.5), while also taking a clean sweep of all three rounds.

He finished a comfortable overall winner of the State title by 560 points over Breakey.

Symmans' golden run at Trigg continued into the open men's final, where he proved too strong, scoring a two-wave total of 14.10 from a possible 20 to down former national champion Ben Veitch (13.17), Jordyn Ihms (9.85) and Michael Sumner (8.27).

In the overall open men's State title standings, Symmans leapt to second place thanks to his round 3 win, with Kyle Ward named State champion 540 points ahead of the rising star.

Symmans was thrilled with his results in the third and final round, which booked his place on the WA team.

"It was really good," he said.

"It was pretty small but there were still a few contestable waves, you just had to be patient and pick the right one.

"The competition was pretty hard this year."

The Australian Bodyboard Titles will be held from August 13-17 in New South Wales, with Symmans qualifying to compete in both the open men's and under-18 junior boys' divisions.

"I was aiming at the 18s but to get second in open gives me another option at the nationals if I bomb out in one," he said.

"Hopefully (win a national title), that's my aim this year, but just making a final will be good."

He thanked Good Earth Surf Shop, Pride Bodyboards and Reflex Wetsuits for their ongoing support.

Last year, Symmans fin- ished second in the open men's national title, losing by less than a point.