Australian Junior Titles at North Stradbroke packed with Margaret River talent

The Margaret River region has taken over Queensland’s North Stradbroke Island this week, leaving local school desks empty as the Capes’ top surfers vie for top honours at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles.

While drawing on a few other WA surfers, the State squad was a who’s who of talent from Augusta to Yallingup, led by Olive and Willow Hardy, Cruz Uros, Maverick Wilson and Otis North among others.

It’s the first time the national titles were held back in Queensland since 2015, before a two-year break during the pandemic, with Margaret River itself last playing host in 2019.

Surfing Australia contest director Glen Elliot said it was great to welcome back the country’s most prestigious surfing titles for juniors.

A top result this weekend would give 10,000 qualifying series points for all age-division winners and the chance to snag one of three positions in the Junior Irukandjis representing Australia at the next ISA World Juniors.

“The winners of the under-18 and under-16 divisions at the competition will also secure another position in the national team,” he said.

“So there is a lot on the line at this year’s event.

“I know the kids will be focused and ripping, and we are looking forward to some really progressive surfing.”

Also making the WA squad were Brock Launders and Macklin Flynn in the under-18 boys, Zali Hewson and Mia Scott alongside Willow Hardy in the under-18 girls, and numerous grommets in the under-16 and lower divisions.

Keen surfers to watch included Augusta’s Ruby Berry, Uros off the back of his recent win at Trigg, and Dunsborough’s hot junior Rosie Gillett.

The competition was expected to wind up on Friday, December 3.