Undoubtedly one of the most underrated events on the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series calendar, the City of Churches (Adelaide) plays host to the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Glenelg Sprint Challenge . Running from Friday afternoon through to Saturday, this event promises nothing but fireworks. From emerging local talent to Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series megastars, everyone will be chasing the coveted 7,000 points and a great time in South Australia.
South Australia has produced some outstanding surf sports athletes over the years, including Gav and Corey Hill, Jake Nicholson and Dyanee Thyuss. In more recent times, Lachie Merchant, Maguire Reid and Tom Welch have proudly flown the SA flag while competing up in Queensland. Right now, there is an abundance of talent hailing from SA across both the women’s and men’s fields, making this a prime opportunity for local athletes to go head-to-head with the very best on home soil.
For those who haven’t experienced it, Glenelg Beach is one of South Australia’s most iconic coastal destinations and a cornerstone of the state’s surf lifesaving history. With roots dating back to the early 1900s, Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club has played a vital role in protecting the community while producing generations of elite watermen and women. Set against the backdrop of the famous Glenelg Jetty and vibrant seaside precinct, the beach has hosted countless carnivals, championships and major surf sports events, cementing its reputation as a proven, high-quality racing venue. Blending deep tradition with a passionate local surf culture, Glenelg remains a proud stronghold of South Australian surf sports excellence.
Headlining the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Glenelg Sprint Challenge is homegrown star Lucy Derbyshire, alongside world champions Finn Askew and Ali Day. Joining them are last year’s winner Matt Bevilacqua and Shaw and Partners Hayden Kenny Classic champion Joe Collins, just to name a few of the big names set to light up Glenelg.
How to watch
Catch all the action from the Shaw and Partners World Ocean series Glenelg Sprint Challenge at 2pm local time on Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series facebook and youtube sites.
Catch real time results via Live heats below :
Forecast
Friday, December 19, 2025
- High Tide: 4:47 am (2.12m)
- Low Tide: 11:45 am (0.16m)
- High Tide: 5:51 pm (1.42m)
- Low Tide: 10:54 pm (0.63m)
Saturday, December 20, 2025
- High Tide: 5:16 am (2.17m)
- Low Tide: 12:13 pm (0.12m)
- High Tide: 6:16 pm (1.43m)
Program
PRIZE POOL
LETS CHECK OUT THE PREDICTIONS!
***For this weekend’s predictions, we rang up one of South Australia’s best blokes and board paddlers, Tom Welch. He delivered a great analysis and picks.
2025 Glenelg Super Sprint
Men’s ski
Last years winner: Jake Morris
Favourite: Harrison Taurins
Next Best: Piran Phillips
Other Chances: Byron Dieckmann and Jackson Borg
Local Legends: Tom May, Xabian Cederblad, Harry Stevens
Harrison Taurins goes in as favourite after a second place at the Shaw and Partners Hayden Kenny Classic where he led all but the last 5 meters of the ski final. Taurins brings form on Glenelg beach following a 2nd place in last years edition. Back on Aussie shores after a dominant European leg of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Piran Phillips looks to have lost none of the form he showed last summer. Byron Dieckmann and Jackson Borg bring experience whilst chasing MVP points. Local Legend Harry Stevens is leading the Southern States Showdown after a dominant display in Warrnambool. Seacliff royalty Tom May provides a resume up with the best following a 2025 campaign including World, Aussie and Shannon Eckstein finals (whilst also being engaged and expecting, busy year!).
Women’s ski
Last years winner: Jasmine Rayward
Favourite: Naomi Scott
Next Best: Claudia Kelly
Other Chances: Lucy Derbyshire and Katy Rees
Local Legends: Asta Mickan, Zalika Cederblad, Laura Campbell
The former Australian champion on the ski, Scott could be favourite for every race this weekend, although has only put her foot on the line for a single ski race once this season. The East End Dozer has been quietly grinding away over the ditch but hasn’t missed a step since returning to the maroon star this summer, a win at Coffs and 5th at Alex sees her in the ski series overall battle. U17 Asta Mickan made the big move to Northcliffe from Grange in 2025 and will be a future star in the ski and Kayak. 1st and 2nd at the Battle of the Bay for Zalika and Laura, looking to build on their Southern States Showdown points scores.
Men’s Swim
Last years winner: Hayden Cotter
Favourite: Hayden Cotter
Next Best: Cooper Williams
Other Chances: Henry Simpson and Jackson Borg
Local Legends: Clancy Luscombe, Lachlan Washington, Ben Edmonds
Hayden will be favourite in every swim he enters this year and for good reason, should be a class above this weekend. Cooper Williams continues to show up in big swims, we’ll see if dog alone is enough in the flat water grind. Clancy comes in as SA champion and has pedigree in the pool and open water including Australian teams for both. Washington a chance in a long course, Edmonds in a sprint.
Women’s Swim
Last years winner: Lily O’Sullivan
Favourite: Naomi Scott
Next Best: Katy Rees
Other Chances: Emma Woods and Jessica Conrad
Local Legends: Hannah Deacon, Amy Buck
Scott starts favourite in any race without Pallister. Rees, Woods and Conrad will put themselves amongst the leaders with their transition work being a weapon in the long starts and finishes of Glenelg. Deacon returns from injury but is the best of the locals while Amy Buck brings confidence from a win in Warrnambool.
Men’s Board
Last years winner: Tex Dixon
Favourite: Tex Dixon
Next Best: Cruz McKee
Other Chances: Matt Bevilacqua, Brayden Casamento
Local Legends: Robert Burfield, Felix Atanackovic, Tom Welch
As a clubbie nuffy who’s watched 2023 Aussies board more times than I can count, Tex brings all the flat water tools to dominate Glenelg. Cruz McKee is already on my Mount Rushmore of ‘Wrigglers’, Cruz was electric in the flat conditions of Coffs and will chase the skates better than anyone. Bevy and Razor come off podiums at The Hayden Kenny and will look to wrestle the lead in the board series away from Charlie Verco (late scratching from this event). Robert Burfield and Felix Atanackovic are the future of paddling down in SA and would love a final. I’ll throw my own hat in the ring to if I have to, bit of local knowledge hopefully 🤷.
Women’s Board
Last years winner: Hannah Scully
Favourite: Georgia Singleton
Next Best: Brodie Trinca
Other Chances: Katy Rees and Grace Harris
Local Legends: Jess Burton, Zara Dobie, Vic Barnes
The rankings don’t lie right? She gotta be first for a reason. Georgia has been the most consistent paddler this summer with finals at all 5 events on the Aussie leg of the series and I’m hoping Glenelg can be her breakthrough result of the summer. Brodie, Katy and Gracebring class, starting speed and a motor in the flat conditions that will find them at the front of all disciplines. As age group competitors Jess and Zara showed fitness beyond their years against open competitors in rounds 1 and 2 of the SA Surf League whilst Vic took out round 3. I’d say the hardest race to pick for the weekend.
Men’s Iron
Last years winner: Matt Bevilacqua
Favourite: Alistair Day
Next Best: Finn Askew
Other Chances: Joe Collins, Jackson Borg and Matt Bevilacqua
Local Legends: Lachlan Merchant, Jack Travers, Zuill brothers
‘The GOAT’ will be licking his lips at the prospect of long and flat racing conditions as his form coming of the Cooley and Newcastle show he hasn’t lost a step of fitness in his final year. We will see how Askew, Borg, Bevilacqua, Casamento and Collins recover after Hayden Kenny and Round 2/3 of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series, all 5 will back themselves and have big claims for the title as a class above the local punters. Race of the day for mine. Glenelg favourite son and heir apparent Lachlan Merchant and Jack Travers will look to shake it up while I’ve heard all prize money won by Matt or Ben Zuill will go straight to the Glenelg Surf Club nipper BBQ (allegedly).
Women’s iron
Last years winner: Tiarnee Massie
Favourite: Lucy Derbyshire
Next Best: Naomi Scott,
Other Chances: Emma Woods and Katy Rees
Local Legends: Grace Harris, Hannah Deacon, Tegan Richards
The home town factor was the only separator for mine between Scott and Derbyshire. Former Glenelg nipper Lucy Derbyshire returns to her old stomping ground with runs on the board and bucket loads of confidence. And for good reason, a strong ISRC, Hayden Kenny and Shaw and Partners Iron Series (the same for Scott) has Lucy’s poised to replicate if not better her last summer. Scott will be the favourite for most and would be deserving of that. Has pure class and could win every race on the day if she wants to, I just love the homecoming story too much. Woods comes in off a home beach podium at the Hayden Kenny and Rees has shown ability beyond her years looking so comfortable in open racing, both already at the point end of the women’s iron leaderboard. Tegan Richards has spent time under Michael King and returns to her home state a much improved athlete ready to prove it.
A huge thank you to Shaw and Partners Financial Services, Race One Surf Craft, JAYD Swimwear, Surf lifesaving South Australia, Taplin Real estate and Glenelg surf lifesaving club
NOT IN THE AREA?
Can’t make it to Glenelg ? Don’t miss a Final. Stream, it live via the Shaw and Partners World Ocean series YouTube channel
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