South West Academy of Sport athlete Joel Doddy is among those aiming to be the ‘best on the beach’ at the 2023 Australia Surf Saving Championships, currently taking place in Perth.

Speaking before the event, the Bunbury teenager relayed he was going into this year’s The Aussies with the benefit of experience, having put himself to the test on the Gold Coast in 2022.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking at the start because it was my first one but I feel like I’m going to be heaps more confident this year because I know what I’m going to go up against this year,” Doddy said.

The Aussies, which runs until Sunday, is the largest event of its kind with competitors from more than 300 surf clubs across the country racing in beach and ocean events.

Doddy started competing on Monday, going up against the best in his age group to earn bronze in the Under-17 Champion Life Saver event, after qualifying at States.

The 17-year-old, who attends Bunbury Senior High School, was in fine form in the lead-up to nationals, with recent successful stints at Countries and States.

At the SunSmart WA Surf Life Saving Championships, Doddy earned a gold in the Under-17 Gold Champion Life Saver event, as well as silver in the beach flags and fourth in the single ski.

At the 2023 SunSmart WA Country Championships earlier this month, Doddy took home a tally of nine gold, four silver and two bronze across Under-17 and Open, including gold in the Open Male Board Race and Open Male Double Ski.