In an exhilarating conclusion to the 20th Taj’s Small Fries presented by Board.Store, eight exceptional young surfers etched their names into history as champions of Western Australia’s most prestigious junior surfing competition.
Marking two decades of surf stoke, the first marquee event of the 2025 Surfing Australia Junior Series delivered world-class performances and unforgettable moments at Smith’s Reef.
The four-day celebration of junior surfing excellence culminated in sensational style, with a pumping 3-4 foot swell providing a perfect platform for the event finalists to display skills and sportsmanship of the highest order.
Finals day was webcast live, offering surf fans worldwide a front-row seat to witness the next generation of talent take centerstage.
Event host and Australian surfing legend Taj Burrow was stuck down with illness during the event, but was able to tune into the finals from home as he recovered from an ear infection.
Reflecting on two decades of fostering young talent, Burrow said: “This 20th edition has been nothing short of incredible. The waves at Smith’s Reef turned on, and it was so exciting to see these groms push their limits and rip in such challenging yet fun conditions. Congratulations to all the champions and competitors. This event keeps getting better, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built here.”
Margaret River’s Okie Fraser, dominated the Under-18 Boys division and maintained his flawless performance in the final, posting a two-wave total of 16.98 (out a possible 20), to secure arguably the biggest win of his young career. Fraser was pushed all the way by Will Martin (Coolangatta, QLD), who dropped a near perfect 9.38 (out a possible 10), on his final wave, but fell short of the requirement to take the win.
“It feels so good, I surfed some great heats and to take out the win is a dream come true,” Fraser said. “We scored pumping waves and it’s really good to have all the competitors come over to the West and score some proper waves.”
Meika Locke (Palm Beach, QLD), claimed the Under-18 Girls title with a combined total of 12.53, showcasing powerful turns and smart wave selection to take down ISA World Junior Champion Ziggy Mackenzie (Balinga, QLD) in a tightly contested final.
“Ziggy is such an amazing surfer and it was so fun to have a final with her,” Locke said. “She pushed me to surf better and the waves were really fun today. I’d like to thank my mum and dad and hopefully I’ll be back to defend my title next year.”
Brody Mulik (Margaret River, WA), lit up the Under-16 Boys final, combining speed and precision to secure a 14.05 two wave total. Mulik has been on a tear recently, dropping amazing video parts and secured the win ahead of Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW), who was an event standout.
“Small Fries is such a sick event, I’d like to thank Taj and Surfing WA for such a sick event,” Mulik said. “The waves have been so good and I’m so stoked to share that final with Joey who was ripping all weekend.”
Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW), proved she’s a star on the rise going back-to-back in the Under-16 Girls division. Darragh was consistent throughout the entire event and stole the show in the final, clinching victory with a 14.43 combined score. Darragh found the best waves and executed her turns with precision to take down Maddison Kenchington (Tallebudgera, QLD).
“I love this event, it’s one of my favourite ones to come to,” Darragh said. “All the girls were ripping, I love WA, there’s so many good waves to choose from, I’ve been staying with the Fraser’s and we’ve had so many waves over the past week.”
Henry Smith (Mona Vale, NSW), was a popular winner in the Under-14 Boys final. Smith sliced and diced the waves at Smith’s to pieces on his way to his biggest win, posting a combined total of 12.88 to overcome Jack Bowdell (Cowaramup, WA).
“My boards didn’t arrive when we got to WA which was a little stressful, but we got them eventually,” Smith said. “It’s my first time to Small Fries but I don’t think it will be my last time, the waves have been pumping and I’ve had the best time.”
Estella Carbonelli (Jan Juc, VIC), took out the Under-14 Girls final and was amongst a large contingent of Victorian surfers in the 20th Taj’s Small Fries in 2025. Carbonelli stepped it up in the final, defeating Navah Holmes (Tugun, QLD), on the strength of an 11.38 heat total.
“This is my second time to Small Fries and it’s been such an exciting event,” Carbonelli said. “I prefer smaller waves, but I like big waves too. Navah was ripping and thanks to my dad for bringing me over here to WA.”
Eight year old Alessandro Dotti (Bali, IND), surfed with a maturity and style beyond his years to win the Under-12 Boys final. Dotti was one of many internationals who competed in the 20th Taj’s Small Fries and will be a name to watch for in the future. Dotti edged out ten year old Flynn Swierczewski (Coolangatta, QLD), by just half a point when the final siren sounded.
“I just wanted to have fun, but to win as well is amazing,” Dotti said. “My dad is my coach, but I surf better than him. It’s my second time to Small Fries and I love it here.”
Kobi Lana Partridge (Coolangatta, QLD), was the most impressive of the Under-12 Girls, taking the win in her first ever Small Fries event. Partridge linked and flowed on all of her waves to score a total of 10.36, defeating Luna Thomas (Margaret River, WA). Partridge, who was born in WA before moving to QLD, proved there is some Indian Ocean in her veins with a great connection to the power and size of Yallingup’s surf.
“I was a little bit nervous out there, but it’s been so good to surf over reef for a change,” Partridge said. “Thanks mum and dad, all my sponsors and everyone else for their support.”
The 20th Taj’s Small Fries wasn’t just about the competition. Surfers and spectators enjoyed a lively festival atmosphere with beach games, surfboard giveaways, and inspiring surfing across all divisions. Local and visiting surfers alike celebrated the camaraderie and the beautiful backdrop of Yallingup’s pristine coastline.
“This year’s event was a true testament to the talent and resilience of our young surfers,” Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks said. “The 20th Taj’s Small Fries has set a new benchmark, and we’re already looking forward to raising the bar again in 2026.”
As the sun set on an unforgettable four days, the legacy of Taj’s Small Fries was further cemented as a cornerstone of Australia’s junior surfing scene. Over the years, Taj’s Small Fries has been instrumental in shaping the careers of Australian surfing icons, including WA’s Felicity Palmateer, Jack Robinson, Bronte Macaulay, and Jacob Willcox.
You can relive the finals day action via www.streamer.com.au
20th Taj’s Small Fries Final Results:
Under 12 Girls:
Champion: Kobi Lana Partridge (Coolangatta, QLD) – 10.36
Runner Up: Luna Thomas (Margaret River, WA) – 8.18
Under 12 Boys:
Champion: Alessandro Dotti (Bali, IND) – 9.56
Runner Up: Flynn Swierczewski (Coolangatta, QLD) – 9.06
Under 14 Girls:
Champion: Estella Carbonelli (Jan Juc, VIC) – 11.38
Runner Up: Navah Holmes (Tugun, QLD) – 11.13
Under 14 Boys:
Champion: Henry Smith (Mona Vale, NSW) – 12.28
Runner Up: Jack Bowdell (Cowaramup, WA) – 11.88
Under 16 Girls:
Champion: Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW) – 14.43
Runner Up: Maddison Kenchington Tallebudgera, QLD) – 7.86
Under 16 Boys:
Champion: Brody Mulik (Margaret River, WA) – 14.05
Runner Up: Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW) – 9.51
Under 18 Girls:
Champion: Meika Locke (Palm Beach, QLD) – 12.53
Runner Up: Ziggy Mackenzie (Balinga, QLD) – 12.33
Under 18 Boys:
Champion: Okie Fraser (Margaret River, WA) – 16.98
Runner Up: Will Martin (Coolangatta, QLD) – 16.43
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. www.surfingwa.com.au/events/tajsmallfries/
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