Hewson rules the wavesfor special Fries victory

Western Australia’s premier junior surfing event concluded in Yallingup last week, with Margaret River surfer Zali Hewson winning the 16-and-under girls’ competition at Taj’s Small Fries.

After two days of surfing at Shallows, the competition’s final day was moved to Honeycombs because of diminishing swell.

Geraldton’s Jake Hagan won the 16-and-under boys’ section, defeating highly fancied Dunsborough prospect Maverick Wilson in the final.

Hewson scored 8.75 and 7.10 from a possible 10 points on each of her two waves in the final, and said the competition was of a great standard.

“This is one of my favourite events, and to win in my final year makes it even more special,” she said.

“I am stoked to put my name on the Small Fries honour roll with all the other great surfers who have won over the years.

“Thanks to Taj and all the people here supporting me.”

Former World Tour surfer Taj Burrow organises the annual event and said the move to Honeycombs on the final day made for great surfing. “It has been ages since we have come to this particular spot and it is absolutely going off right now,” he said.

“This is such a fickle little beach that doesn’t handle too much swell, but this is so perfect for the groms.”

The 12-and-under boys’ division was full of South West surfing talent, with Dunsborough’s Kade Martin winning the event, ahead of Margaret River’s Max Ghiretti and fellow Dunsborough surfers Cruz Uros and Cam Spencer.