New South Wales claimed victory in the State Tag Team event at the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles, breaking Queensland’s bid for a three-peat. Despite a rare sea fog delaying the morning’s competition, Day 7 saw standout performances across all age divisions, setting the stage for an exciting Finals Day tomorrow.
The New South Wales team comprised of Samuel Lowe, Ocean Lancaster, Locana Cullen, Milla Brown and Lucy Darragh, with Queensland finishing in second place, and Victoria third.
NSW Team Captain Samuel Lowe said: “We were really consistent, I think that’s what set us apart from the rest of the states and our camaraderie has been really good and that put us ahead, believing in each other and knowing that we can get it done. Pretty stoked to win as a team and hopefully that carries through to the overall team result.”
U14 Finalists Decided
Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW) will meet Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD) in the U14 Boys final after a close semifinal heat at Woonona Beach.
“It was just wave for wave, a very tricky heat,” Locana said. “I had a 7 and a 6 was under priority so I caught a little wave and did a little air. I’ve been doing a little bit of travelling recently with Red Bull camps in California, and Portugal, where I’ve had good waves and been practicing comp surfing and airs.”
In the U14 Girls, 11-year-old Ily Fraser (Margaret River, WA) advanced after a narrow semifinal win and will meet Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) in the final.
“I feel so excited to make it,” Ily said. “I’m proud of myself and here with my team who all brought pots, pans and spoons down and were making clattering noises and singing songs about me through my heat. It’s so cool to feel the support we get from WA.”
Quarterfinal Highlights
Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW) and Ben Zanatta (Dee Why, NSW) delivered strong performances in the U16 Men to advance.
“I had a stumble at the start and had to tone it back,” Ocean said. “I found a left that gave me a couple good lippy turns. After a couple good ones, I thought I’d try to go to the air because the wind was up. I had one attempt and almost pulled it off and then got another and managed to ride out of that.”
In the U16 Women Olive Hardy (Gnarabup, WA) and Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW) claimed heat wins to progress into the semifinals.
Ziggy Mackenzie (Bilinga, QLD) overcame challenging conditions to win her U18 Women’s quarterfinal heat. “You really had to be attentive to the quality of the waves,” Ziggy said. “I got lucky and got a few good sets. I feel like I have more in the tank, and I’m keen for finals day tomorrow.”
While Isla Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD) posted an impressive 15.38 heat total (out of a possible 20) in her heat to advance.
In the U18 Men Samuel Lowe (Thirroul, NSW) and Mitchell Peterson (Noosa, QLD) advanced to the semis.
“I’ve had a pretty good year so far, so I’m really hoping to finish off good, that’d mean a lot,” Mitchell said. “Last year I just missed out on going to the Worlds. That’s been my goal and the reason I do these comps.”
Finals Day Tomorrow
Tomorrow, six Australian Junior Champions will be crowned, with winners in the U16 and U18 divisions securing spots on the Irukandjis Team for the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.
Contest Director Jeremy Barnett said: “The day started with the first two heats in the U14 Boys but had to go on hold due to sea fog, which is a very rare occurrence. When we resumed, Ocean Lancaster in the U16 Men and Samuel Lowe in the U18 Men, who posted the highest heat total of the day—a 16.13 (out of a possible 20)—were standout performers. Meanwhile, Talia Tebb continued to impress in the U14 Girls. The future of female surfing is in great hands.
“Tomorrow the surf is building, setting the stage for an exciting Finals Day.”
State Tag Team – Finals Results
1st New South Wales – 29.99
2nd Queensland – 26.69
3rd Victoria – 24.11
4th Western Australia – 22.56
5th South Australia – 12.56
6th Tasmania – 9.85
For the heat draw and full results, please visit LiveHeats.
About the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles:
The YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles encompass individual divisions for U14-U18 junior men and women as well as a school surfing division for U16-U19 (MR Shield) junior men and women.
Champions in U16 and U18 men and women will earn a spot on the Irukandjis Team to represent Australia at the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.
Every winner will also join a prestigious honour roll alongside current and former world Tour competitors, including Stephanie Gilmore, Molly Picklum, Sally Fitzgibbons, Laura Enever, Tyler Wright, Nikki Van Dijk, Coco Cairns, Owen Wright, Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and Reef Heazlewood.
This year, the finals action will be broadcast live on Surfing Australia’s YouTube channel. Watch live on:
Event website https://australianjuniorsurfingtitles.com.
The YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles are proudly supported by YETI, Destination NSW, Destination Wollongong, Surfing NSW, BLACKROLL, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, KJ Scaffolding and Surfers for Climate.
Image Credits: Aaron Hughes
Locana Cullen advances to the U14 Boys final. Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
Talia Tebb continues to impress in U14 Girls. Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
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