2022 Woolworths Australian Junior Surfing Titles underway at North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

The Woolworths Australian Junior Surfing Titles have kicked off on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) in clean 3ft glassy conditions.

Surfing sensation Keira Buckpitt (Culburra Beach, NSW) was the standout performer on Day 1 with two excellent scores in the U18 Women at Main Beach. Buckpitt posted the highest individual wave score of 8.75 to finish with a whopping 16.25 heat total. Willow Hardy (Margaret River, WA) and Tahlia Hirst (Central Coast, NSW) also impressed with heat totals of 13.25 and 12.00 respectively.

In the U16 Women, Isi Campbell (Denmark, WA) blitzed her opposition with a total heat score of 13.25.

Round one of the U18 Men saw Willis Droomer (Jan Juc, VIC) post the highest individual wave score of 7.10 and best heat total of 13.60. Eden Hasson (Port Stephens, NSW) was also strong ending the day on 11.75 points.

In the U16 Men, Zyah Hession (Coolangatta, QLD) came out on top with a total heat score of 12.50. Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW) finished on 12.45 points and will also progress directly to round three.

Kelleher said: “It was pretty fun, the waves are pretty good for a comp and the sun is out.”

The non-elimination round one heats continued today under smaller conditions.

In the U14 Girls, Meika Locke (Palm Beach, QLD) posted the highest individual wave score of 8.75 to finish with a 12.75 heat total. Jai Nield (Coolangatta, QLD) was the best performing surfer in U14 Boys with a heat total of 13.35.

Round two got underway in the afternoon, with only half a dozen surfers in the U16 and U14 Boys and Girls progressing through. Among those who made the cut was Mitchell Henderson (Port Noarlunga, SA).

Henderson said: “Even though how small it is, it’s so good out there. It’s just pumping. Happy with myself, first ever heat I’ve got through in a comp like this.”

Surfing Australia Contest Director, Glen Elliott said: “We had an unexpected decrease in the swell today but still great for the U14 Boys and Girls. We’re anticipating a swell increase with the top seeds hitting the water tomorrow and great conditions forecast in the morning with a southerly wind change that will be challenging for surfers competing  in the afternoon.”

The 2022 Woolworths Australian Junior Surfing Titles encompass individual divisions for U14 – U18 Junior Men & Women as well as school surfing divisions for U16 – U19 (Allstars & MR Shield) Junior Men & Women.

Surfing Australia would like to acknowledge the Quandamooka people as the traditional owners of the land on which the competition will be held and we pay our respects to elders, past, present and emerging and thank them for the opportunity.

The event is supported by Surfing Australia, Surfing Queensland, Ruffie, Redlands City Council and QYAC.