If you didn’t know Matt Banting’s name before the Australian Open of Surfing – you do now.

The 17-year-old Australian not only won the junior title in front of a huge crowd at the inaugural event, but then went on to take down some of the best surfers in the world to claim the first-ever Australian Open of Surfing title. Fellow Aussie and reigning champ of the US Open of Surfing Sally Fitzgibbons took home the win for the women’s title.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE SURF ACTION THROUGH THE 9-DAY AUSTRALIAN OPEN OF SURFING:

It was an exciting nine days of action  as Hurley and Billabong brought a contest that mirror’s the world-famous US Open of Surfing to Manly Beach in Sydney – a festival that brought not only surfing action, but a skate contest, music and art on the sand. Much like summer-time waves in Huntington, the beach break produced just mediocre surf through the event – but the top surfers had no problem making the competition held in 2-foot waves exciting to watch.

Banting was emotional after his win against Florida’s Evan Geiselman, both displaying big air reverses and showing the skill level of the next generation of surfers.  Banting surfed more heats than any other surfer in the contest.

“It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had . I’m feeling on top of the world. I can hardly talk. I’m so shaky,” Banting said.

Some called it the largest contest ever held on Australian shores, and it was an event the government got behind, with an expected  $6 million in new revenue.  The crowds packed the sand for the final day – some said  comparable to what we see at the Huntington Beach event.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE SAND SHOTS THROUGH THE WEEK:

“The area isn’t as big as the US Open, but the crowd has been amazing for showing up, they’ve filled the sand. I think we’ve matched them,” said contest director Luke Egan.

Commentator and 1988 World Champ Barton Lynch said that while the concert was going on Day 8, he sat out in the water and watched all the kids enjoying the music on the sand.

“I couldn’t help but smile. It’s so great that Hurley and Billabong gave us this gift, to celebrate surfing in this way,” he said. “It’s exceeded most people’s expectations.”

It sounds like there was a three-year contract for the contest, as commentators said the event will happen at least two more times.

“You guys have been phenomenal and gracious,” said Bob Hurley, creator of surf brand Hurley, to the big crowds. “I just want to say thank you. The surfers brought their magic, and you guys did your part as well.”

Several Orange County surfers traveled Down Under to compete in the event, all eventually knocked out before the final day.

Fitzgibbons took out Peruvian surfer Sofia Mulanovich, 28,  in the final, keeping busy from the start of the heat. The Australian surfer hadn’t been in a competition since the US Open of Surfing, and surfed with a wrap  protecting her recently fractured wrist.

After winning the final, she threw her fists up in the air, a smile splashed across her face. Young girls surrounded her to get autographs and photos.

“I’m so excited. This is insane. I can hear it from the beach,” she said. “It’s the most unbelievable feeling.”

Banting took an early lead in his final, posting a high 8.10 with just minutes on the clock. He spent much of the heat paddling close by Geiselman to keep him off the waves.  Banting entered the contest with an ASP Wildcard, and ended up beating out some of the best surfers in the world to win the title.

“This has been the best week of my life,” he said. “It’s been unreal.”

For more info, photos, video highlights and more, go to australianopenofsurfing.com

Follow reporter Laylan Connelly on Twitter @ ocbeaches, or at facebook.com/ocbeaches.

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