Swell builds & groms shine on an epic third day of competition at Taj’s Small Fries Yallingup

The 20th edition of Taj’s Small Fries presented by Board.Store reached thrilling new heights on day three, as a pulsing groundswell and standout performances set the stage for an action-packed day of junior surfing at its very best. Competitors in the Under-18 and Under-16 divisions dug deep in pumping conditions at Injidup Car Park, leaving everything in the water as they battled for coveted spots in the finals. After two days at Shallows, an overnight jump in swell created an electric atmosphere, with families, friends, and surf fans lining packing the beach to witness an incredible showcase of skill and determination from some of Australasia’s best young surfers.

The Under-18 Boys and Girls hit the water for the first time and powered through multiple rounds in the powerful 4-5 foot surf, proving that the future of the sport is in safe hands with impressive performances in each and every heat that hit the water. 

Margaret River’s Okie Fraser was the standout surfer on day three, dropping a perfect 10.00 ride and posting the highest combined total of the event, amassing a whopping 19.00 (out a possible 20), on his way to the Under-18 Boys semi finals. 

Fraser displayed a full repertoire of traditional and innovative manoeuvres, including two massive airs that sent a clear message to his opponents that he’s here to win WA’s biggest and best junior surfing event.“I made the semis last year and would love to make the final this year,” Fraser said. “I’ve been waiting a couple of days to hit the water, but the waves were worth waiting for. I kinda surprised myself, but I’m super happy with my performance.” 

Fraser will take on local lad Kade Martin (Dunsborough, WA) in semi final one, while Felix Byrnes (Merewether, NSW) face off against Will Martin (Coolangatta, QLD) in Under-18 Boys semi final two. 

Ocea Curtis (Lennox Head, NSW), Meika Locke (Palm Beach, QLD), Ziggy Mackenzie (Bilinga, QLD) and Alice Hodgson (Kiama, NSW), booked their places into the Under-18 Girls semi finals with some razor focused surfing of their own. 

Ocea Curtis competed in a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series at Injidup last October, and the familiarity of the lineup benefitted her greatly when returning to the location today. “I love it here in WA and to score waves like this in an event is pretty rare,” said Curtis. “I’m excited to reach the surfer-on-surfer semi finals and hope the swell hangs around for finals day.” 

The Under-16 Boys semi finals were also decided, with local talent Crus Uros (Dunsborough, WA), to take on an in form surfer Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW) in semi final one, while Ashton Mekisic (Wollongong, NSW), will square off against Brody Mulik (Margaret River, WA), in semi final number two. 

Defending Under-16 Girls champion Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW), will look to go back-to-back at Taj’s Small Fries, but will have to overcome Grace Cook (Cowaramup, WA), to reach the final. Maddison Kenchington (Tallebudgera, QLD), will take on Miller-May Berg (Miami Beach, QLD), in the second Under-16 Girls semi final. Event host and international surfing icon Taj Burrow (Yallingup, WA), has been under the weather the past few days, so he organised some past event champions and close friends to put on a show for the groms in his absence. 

Former WSL Championship Tour competitor and previous Small Fries champion, Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown, WA), along with 2015 Small Fries winner and free surfing extraordinaire Kael Walsh (Yallingup, WA), hit the water for a 30 minute expression session alongside Taj’s good friends Craig Anderson (Newcastle, NSW) and Jaleesa Vincent (Sunshine Coast, QLD), that provided an extra sprinkle of excitement to an already epic day.

The fourth and final day of 20th Taj’s Small Fries will be webcast via www.streamer.com.au allowing surf fans around the world to tune into the action live. As the first 10,000 rated event of the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Series, this will be a finals day not to be missed.

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 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.