Rick Jakovich in impressive victory at Margaret River’s iconic Surfers Point

Gracetown’s Rick Jakovich proved he’s still one of WA’s best watermen, winning the hotly-contested open men’s and over-40 men’s divisions at the weekend’s inaugural Margaret River-based North Freo WA Stand-up Paddleboard State Championships. Jakovich cruised to victory in style, becoming the first of many multiple event winners across the event. He found great rhythm with the ocean, picking off some of the best waves of the event and continued through the 25-minute open men’s final. Flowing through the lumpy conditions with great speed at every turn, Jakovich posted an impressive two-wave combined total of 16.00 (from a possible 20), that included an 8.67 and a 7.33. Despite the best efforts of in-form surfers including younger brother Jake, emerging talent Ryder Vernon from Yallingup and former AFL-player David Muir, of Claremont, Rick managed the tricky conditions in Margaret River best to take the blue-ribbon win. “That’s gotta be up there in my top three most difficult events on a SUP,” he said. “The lefts out there can be all-time on the right swell direction. “I found a couple of good waves out there today which I’m happy about. It’s always nice to have an event in proper waves, but a bit less wind might be nice next time.” In the over-40 men’s final, Jakovich dropped another imposing two-wave total of 15.77 to edge out his brother Jake, Darron McNab and Peter Tomsett. “It’s always nice to get one up on your younger brother, but to do it twice was even better,” Jakovich told Surfing WA. “I’m thrilled to get the double win and it would be nice to surf with him and against him hopefully at Nationals.” Strong and gusty winds, combined with waves in the 3-4 feet range over the three-day event, made for tough conditions for competitors at Surfers Point. Yallingup’s Richard Wain also defended his 2021 State title with a win in the over-60 men’s division. Rick Jakovich captured the Wave of the Weekend awards, while Perth competitor Crawford Olney scored the Memorable Moment award for a hat-trick of wins. The champions go through to the Australian SUP Titles on Phillip Island in Victoria in October.