The 20th Taj’s Small Fries presented by Board.Store delivered an unforgettable celebration of junior surfing as glorious summer conditions turned Yallingup’s iconic coastline into the ultimate grom playground. After kicking off with the biggest opening ceremony in Small Fries history, the first day of Western Australia’s most prestigious junior surfing event was nothing short of spectacular. Clean and consistent 2-4 feet waves rolled in all day long at Shallows, providing the ideal canvas for high-performance surfing, while the sun-drenched shores of Yallingup buzzed with excitement and community spirit.
The Under-16 Boys division kicked off proceedings in style, with competitors from across Australiasia highlighting the depth of talent in the region. Terrific turns, tube rides and Taj-esque surfing made for an exciting morning, setting the precedent an action-packed day of surfing and stoke.
Cruz Uros (Dunsborough, WA), was the top performer of the division, using his local knowledge to tear apart the lineup earning a two-wave combined total of 15.33, (out a possible 20). Uros was thrilled to have so many great surfers in his backyard and rip into some great day one surf.
“It’s always great to kick off a big event like this with a win,” Uros said. “I love the Small Fries and it’s amazing to see how many surfers have made their way over this year, I’m excited for the swell that’s forecast in the coming days.”
Brody Mulik (Margaret River, WA), Hunter Sutcliffe (Manly, NSW), Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW), Kato Magi (Belmont, VIC), Rio Luther Barr (Bundagen, NSW), Sam Sparks (Kiama, NSW), Cruz Macdonald (Geraldton, WA) and Ashton Mekisic (Wollongong, NSW), all shone in the clean early morning conditions.
The Under-16 Girls division kept the high standard of surfing rolling, with every heat delivering thrilling performances as surfers took full advantage of the conditions, pulling off massive manoeuvres and showcasing their growing talent.
Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW), the defending Under-16 Girls Small Fries champion, and kicked off her title defence in style, posting a combined total of 14.70 (out a possible 20), sending an ominous message to her opponents.
“I love it here in Yallingup, and last year’s win is still fresh in my mind,” Darragh said. “The waves, the scenery, the people, it’s just a really special place.”The Under-12 Boys and Girls divisions took the water late in the day and provided a look into the future of Australian surfing, with a jaw dropping finesse and courage in the afternoon conditions.
Flynn Swierczewski (Coolangatta, QLD), Gabriel Kenchington (Tallebudgera, QLD), Raff Morris (Sorrento, VIC), and Levi Lowe (Byron Bay, NSW), all exhibited extraordinary skill and sportsmanship on their way to round one wins.
Luna Thomas (Margaret River, WA) and Kobi Lana Partridge (Marcus Beach, QLD), became the first event finalist by dominating the Under-12 Girls heats. Over the years, Taj’s Small Fries has been instrumental in shaping the careers of Australian surfing icons, including WA’s own Felicity Palmateer, Jack Robinson, Bronte Macaulay, and Jacob Willcox, and Burrow is excited to witness the rise of future champions.
Keep up to date on all things Taj’s Small Fries via: www.surfingwa.com.au/events/tajsmallfries.
About Taj’s Small Fries:
Since 2006, Taj’s Small Fries has been WA’s premier junior surfing event, providing a springboard for aspiring surfing stars. Hosted by Taj Burrow, the event has been pivotal in nurturing surfing talent, with past champions including Felicity Palmateer, Jack Robinson, Bronte Macaulay, and Jacob Willcox. This 20th-anniversary edition celebrates two decades of surf culture, community, and grommet stoke along WA’s iconic Yallingup coastline.
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