Opening the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival, day one of the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles saw the best longboarders in the country competing for prestigious national titles.

Surfing Australia’s operations manager Dane Jordan was extremely impressed with what transpired.

“The standard of surfing is world-class,” he said.

“You don’t have to look further than the number of former world and national champions involved in the event

“It’s outstanding.”

With 180 surfers from around Australia competing across the 11 divisions at the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles, day one was a cracker.

“We couldn’t ask for better conditions to start the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival and the competitors have definitely revelled in the perfect 1.5m conditions,” Jordan said.

Led by the open men competitors the action was electric.

Current world ratings leader Harley Ingelby (Emerald Beach) was an early morning standout, heralding his intentions with an awesome combination of futuristic and traditional manoeuvres.

Having returned home from overseas to compete in the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles, Ingelby will be looking at defending his prestigious national crown.

Former world and Australian titleholder Josh Constable (Noosa) was also impressive, accruing the highest single wave score of the day with a 8.50 (out of a possible 10) point ride.

Jason Russell (Noarlunga), Dane Pioli (Eschol Park), Keenan Roxburgh (Byron Bay) and Oliver Shaw (Sunshine Coast) were also in sparkling form, cementing their places in the next round.