Young surfer Alice Hodgson made history as the first female to win the annual Jones Beach Boardriders surfing competition in its 43-year history.

Held at Jones Beach on Saturday, the event - renamed Robbo’s Round last year - began bright and early at 7am, with 64 competitors going head-to-head.

“The competition was first introduced in 1983 when our club started, 42 years ago,” said JBB president Hayden Bombaci.

“It’s a specialty event. Instead of the usual four surfers per heat battling for waves and the win, this one is one-on-one - the winner progresses through the draw all the way to the final, knockout style.”

The conditions were on the smaller side, perfect for the younger groms but trickier for senior competitors.

“The smaller, trickier conditions often give an advantage to the younger, more agile groms,” laughed Bombaci. “Plenty of groans from the oldies could be heard!”

After a day full of upsets, the final came down to two young surfers - Hodgson and 13-year-old Lennox Lindsay.

“It culminated with two groms in the final,” said Bombaci.

“Their tenacity to hustle from round one all the way through was awesome. Both competed with smiles on their faces, inspiring even younger competitors. Dreams start small and local.”

Bombaci said the reaction to Hodgson’s win was incredible.

“Everyone lost it,” he said. “She took down some huge names and was on a rampage through the draw.

"I think this victory was a real coming-of-age moment - her introduction to stamping her dominance in the area and the sport. No one sees the hours of effort she puts in - they just see the result.

“She personifies the JBB spirit. As a club, we love her. All our girls are ripping and super supportive of each other. There’s a crew of girls who don’t even surf but come down every event to cheer them on.

"They ran down the beach and met her at the water’s edge, giving her the ultimate surfing honour - being chaired up the beach.”

The event received strong community support, including professional judging from Surfing NSW, a $50 voucher from real estate agent Aimee Longbottom for the highest heat total, bread rolls donated by Breadrocks Shell Cove, and meat from Superior Meats in Shellharbour.

“A huge $2000 was donated by Daniel Mikosic from Multiquip, and a brand-new custom surfboard was donated by Matt Thompson from Indumech through Zink Kiama,” added Bombaci.

“You can see there’s plenty of community backing, which is incredible. Every cent we generate comes from members, sponsors, and grants.”

It wasn’t just about donations - the event brought the whole community together.

“We had members and non-members hanging out. One of the neighbours we checked in on because of the noise had actually set up on the deck with friends, enjoying the music and hilarious commentary,” said Bombaci.

“The community are absolute legends and the reason we love our little spot. In this crazy world, it’s cool to provide a safe place for all walks of life to hang out. There’s a real sense of belonging.”

This year marked the second under the event’s new name, Robbo’s Round, renamed from Man on Man in honour of community member Pete Robinson. The idea came from JBB life member Grant Mason.

“Pete Robinson lived in the house next to where we hold the events most of the time at North Jones,” Bombaci explained. “He’d often come and say hello - we used his power and water, not to mention the hooter, for years.

“Pete’s wife Karen still lives there, and the family remains very supportive. Pete’s son Ben earned a wildcard invite this year. Unfortunately, Pete has since passed away, so we fondly call it Robbo’s Round in loving memory of him - and all our members and community who we’ve lost.”

Looking ahead, Bombaci said the future of JBB and the event is bright.

“We’ve got great surfers coming through and older members returning because it’s a place of belonging,” he said.

“Robbo’s Round is a unique event and certainly my favourite. It’s always a great day - no second chances, no making it up next month. The best surfer on the day wins it all.”