Gracetown surfer Dave Macaulay takes out Masters World Championship

GRACETOWN surfer Dave Macaulay has proved he’s still a force to be reckoned with after taking out the Azores Airlines World Masters Championship in Portugal.

The father and mentor of up-and-coming surfing superstar Bronte Macaulay beat out stiff competition from other legends of the sport who all came out of retirement to take part in the specialty event.

It was the former world number three’s first World Surf League world championship victory.

The 54-year-old got off to a strong start in the final against Hawaii’s Shane Beschen, with two seven point rides setting him apart early.

“It’s been an unbelievable week, we’ve had an absolute ball,” Macaulay said. “I never dreamed this would happen.”

The former professional surfer changed careers from surfing in 1993, and is well known as one WA’s best surfboard shapers in the South West.

He has mentored and helped his daughters Laura and Bronte forge their surfing careers with Bronte, 24, ranked 16th in the women’s championship tour standings.

“I’ve had a very fortunate life, being able to keep surfing after the tour, all my kids surf and it’s just insane,” he said.

Veteran Australian surf champion Layne Beachley took out the women’s division, and Rob Bain from New South Wales rounded out the all Australian champions for the event, who all took home $18,000 in prize money.