Cape Naturaliste Pro sees east coasters claim wins in epic surf conditions

The waves turned it on at the weekend’s Cape Naturaliste Pro, thrilling locals, despite the big prizes going to east coast surfers. With four to six-foot surf, lauded as the best seen at a QS1000 contest in Australia, the four-day event at Yallingup drew even more attention to the region’s formidable surf. Queensland’s Taj Stokes and Victoria’s Ellie Harrison captured their maiden World Surf League Qualifying Series victories with dominant performances in Saturday’s final. Harrison confirmed her national status as a star on the rise by dropping the event’s only perfect 10-point ride on her way to defeating Newcastle’s Amelie Bourke. Stokes’ first QS win was heralded as the first of more to come after reaching the semis at last week’s Peel Pro Junior, overcoming Geraldton’s Max Marsden. Sunny skies and a festival atmosphere greeted Capes surfers looking to make an impact. While Scarborough’s Luke Campbell was the only other WA surfer who reached the men’s semifinals, Yallingup’s Otis North and Duke Nagtzaam, along with Margaret River’s Cyrus Cox featured in the men’s quarterfinals. Yanchep-based former Margaret River surfer Felicity Palmateer, along with Yallingup’s Emma Cattlin, were the best-placed West Australians reaching the semifinals. Margaret River’s Olive Hardy and Cowaramup’s Mia McCarthy made the quarter inals. Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks said it was great to have the WA Pro Surf Series back after a two-year hiatus. “We scored really good waves in both Mandurah and Yallingup and I congratulate Ellie Harrison and Taj Stokes for their wins here in Yallingup,” he said. “We look forward to bring these events back to the shores of WA for many years to come.” The region’s surfing calendar now turns to the 40th Margaret River Classic to be held early next month.