The 21st Southern Challenge in Memory of Paul Johannesen was held on Saturday 23rd May 2026 at South Arm, bringing together surfers from across Tasmania for a strong day of competition and community spirit.
Presented by Red Herring Surf, the event featured standout performances in both the Open Men’s and Open Women’s divisions, with competitors delivering in fun, contestable conditions throughout the day.
In the Open Men’s division, Matt Kennedy claimed victory ahead of Marti Paradisis in second, Charlie Gibson in third and Jake Fasnacht in fourth.
The Open Women’s division saw Sienna Lawrence take the win from Charlotte Beach in second, Neve Andrews in third and Jessica Gardner in fourth.
A special thank you goes to Marti Paradisis, who generously gifted copies of his book, “When the Ocean Awakens”, to all first place winners on the day.
Now in its 21st year, the Southern Challenge continues to honour the memory of Paul Johannesen and remains a special event on the Tasmanian surfing calendar.
Surfing Tasmania thanks all competitors, families, volunteers, judges and supporters who helped make the event possible, along with presenting partner Red Herring Surf and supporting sponsors We Are Feel Good Inc, Foreshore Tavern, SIN Eyewear, Luna Jewellery, Farking Surf, Surfing Tasmania, Surfing Australia, South Arm Boardriders and Parks & Wildlife Tasmania.
A few competitors left prior to presentations, resulting in some missing faces from the presentation photos.
Open Men Results
- Matt Kennedy
- Marti Paradisis
- Charlie Gibson
- Jake Fasnacht
Open Women Results
- Sienna Lawrence
- Charlotte Beach
- Neve Andrews
- Jessica Gardner
Under 18 Boys
- Joe Potter
- Hudson Direen
- Lachlan Doyle
Under 18 Girls
- Jessica Gardner
- Willow Direen
- Lola Reid
Under 16 Boys
- Hudson Direen
- Lachlan Doyle
- Joe Potter
Under 16 Girls
- Neve Andrews
- Lola Reid
- Layla Maslin
Under 14 Boys
- Ollie Klumpp
- Leon Bown
- Ashton Bown
Under 12 Boys & Girls Combined
- Ollie Klumpp
- Leon Bown
- Llyr Johannesen
