November 30, 2024
New South Wales claimed victory in the State Tag Team event at the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles today, breaking Queensland’s bid for a three-peat. Despite a rare sea fog delaying the morning's competition, Day 7of the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles saw standout performances across all age divisions, setting the stage for an exciting Finals Day on Sunday December 1.
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 semi-final 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 semi-final 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 semi-finals.
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."
Local athletes have been performing well across the duration of the contest.
On Day 4 Milla Brown (Newport, NSW) continued to dominate in the U18 Women's division, posting the highest heat total of the event so far, a 16.38 (out of a possible 20), including an excellent 9.13 single-wave score (out of a possible 10).
"I was watching Ruby Berry from behind, and she did two snaps," Brown said. "I didn't want to go into second and then this really good double up came. So I just did two big turns and got a 9.13. So I'm stoked. It's a little bit bigger today. Good to surf some waves with power and it was super fun surfing with all the girls. I had two of my best mates in my heat so it's always hard because no matter what, one of us will always get knocked. But two of us ended up getting through."
On Day 5 Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW), who advanced in the U18 Men with scores of 7.15 and 7.95, said: "I got a couple of set waves, and they kind of just bowled up. It’s been pretty fun out here the last couple of days. It’s pumping—I’ve never seen Woonona this good. I come down here a fair bit. It’s awesome that we get to surf in such good waves, and everyone is stoked. It’s a great comp. It’s got the best bank I’ve ever seen. The lefts are coming off the point, and the rights are going back into the corner. So, yeah, it’s really fun."
Contest Director Jeremy Barnett said: "Surfers were greeted with silky three-to-four foot swell this morning, with light northwest offshore winds. The day kicked off with the U14 Boys Round 3, where Jagger Phillips (Narrabeen, NSW) took advantage of the pristine conditions, scoring a heat total of 13.75 (out of a possible 20).
On Day 6 Locana Cullen (Avalon, NSW) delivered the highest single wave score of the day, an impressive 8.38 (out of a possible 10) in the U14 Boys. "It was a good wave, and I did two snaps. Just going vert," Cullen said. "It’s definitely a lot smaller than the last few days, but it’s still super fun and I get to see all my friends and surf heaps."
Locana Cullen, Day 7 Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
Milla Brown, Day 7 Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
Fletcher Kelleher. Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
Finals Day
Today, Sunday December 1st, 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.
"The surf is building, setting the stage for an exciting Finals Day."
The Finals results will be added into this page as they come to hand.
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.
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.
Ben Zanatta. Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
Six Champions Crowned at YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles
December 1, 2024
WOLLONGONG, NEW SOUTH WALES
Six YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles Champions were crowned today, with the women delivering an aerial masterclass in the U18 final, and Samuel Lowe claiming the Men’s title 30 years after his father achieved the same feat.
Contest Director Jeremy Barnett praised the exceptional performances: "The heat between Isla Huppatz and Milla Brown was the best finish to an Australian Titles ever. The conditions were perfect with three-to-four foot and silky smooth waves, giving every competitor the opportunity to to win because of the waves. I’d like to congratulate all the competitors and states for putting on such a wonderful spectacle. Our region is thankful for that."
U18 Men’s Final: Samuel Lowe Follows in His Father’s Footsteps
Samuel Lowe (Thirroul, NSW), whose father Mick Lowe is a former WSL surfer and the 1994 Australian Junior Champion, posted the highest heat total of the day, a 17.55 (out of a possible 20). With two excellent scores, including a 9.30 (out of a possible 10), Lowe left Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW) comboed in the U18 Men’s final.
"I can't believe it. That was probably the best day of my life," Lowe said. "The last couple of years have been the biggest rollercoaster for me. From a couple of good results here and there to just losing first round. This year has been the most injury ridden year I've ever had. I was out at the start of the year for three months and then I did my knee and missed a couple more comps. The hard work I've had to put back into it now is just coming out to show and I couldn't be more stoked."
"It didn't really hit till Fletcher came over to me, one minute to go. I knew I had a big score on that one wave. I thought he could still get the score so I was up tight and personal with him. Then he said he was in combo and came gave me a high five. A huge shout out to Fletch he's been pushing me since we were 12. I can't remember a year when he hasn't been a standout kid so a huge shoutout to him for raising the bar every year."
U18 Women’s Final: An Unforgettable Showdown
Organisers and commentators alike said the U18 Women’s final was one of the best heats in Australian junior surfing history.
Milla Brown (Newport, NSW) claimed the win with two excellent scores in a tight battle with Isla Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD). Huppatz, who earlier posted the highest single wave score of the day, a 9.58 in her semifinal, was relentless. She was awarded a 9.45 for landing a massive air, but Milla answered back with a similar air reverse, scoring an 8.45 to seal her victory
"It feels crazy," Brown said. "I almost had Isla in combo. She needed a high 9 with three minutes left. I let her go on an insider, and she does a proper air rev. Not even a little one, a proper one. I thought, 'I’ve just cooked this so hard.' Then I saw another insider and did a little air and got the score. I was so stoked."
"Me and Isla have been talking about this moment for so long. Before we paddled out, we said, 'Let’s make this the best heat ever.'"
Milla Brown, 2024 Australian Junior Champion. Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
U16 Men’s Final: Ocean Lancaster Dominates
In the U16 Men’s final, Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW) started strong, posting an excellent 8.93 three-turn ride, and maintaining pressure with a 7.63 backup, leaving Henry Dowling (Sunrise Beach, QLD) comboed.
"That was a dream come true. Coming out on top put the icing on the cake," Lancaster said. "I had a good start to the year, got rattled in the middle, but all the hard work paid off here. It feels so good."
U16 Women’s Final: Olive Hardy Continues the Family Legacy
Olive Hardy (Gnarabup, WA) followed in her sister Willow Hardy’s footsteps, winning the U16 Women’s final against Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW) with a heat total of 13.75 to Lucy’s 11.46. The win also secured Olive a spot on the Irukandjis Team.
"I’m so excited," Hardy said. "It has been my dream for so long since I've been watching Willow’s heats when I was 12 at El Salvador, I’m just so stoked. Mum and Dad were so stoked—we were all pretty much crying. Over this past week, I’ve had such a good time with Team West Oz. That took the pressure off it. Knowing my whole team was backing me."
U14 Boys Final: Zac Johnston Edges Out Locana Cullen
In the Under 14 Boys final, Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD) and Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW) went wave for wave, with Zac posting an excellent 8.75 single-wave score. Despite a huge turn on a set wave, Loci came up just 0.25 points short to finish as runner-up.
"I can’t believe it," Johnston said. "It’s crazy. I don’t know what to say! I knew I needed to score. I stuck that turn and was so happy. I was just hoping it would be enough. Everyone was cheering when Loci got his wave. I was just praying it wasn’t the score!"
U14 Girls Final: Talia Tebb Shines
In the U14 Girls final, Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) defeated 11-year-old Ily Fraser (Margaret River, WA) with two solid scores, including a 7.93.
"It feels so good. I’m so stoked," Tebb said. "The waves were pumping out there. I was pretty nervous at the start because I haven’t had the best year, but this win means a lot."
Locana Cullen, Finals. Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
Finals Results:
U18 Men
Samuel Lowe (Thirroul, NSW) - 17.55
Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW) - 13.00
U18 Women
Milla Brown (Newport, NSW) - 16.95
Isla Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD) - 16.20
U16 Men
Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW) - 16.56
Henry Dowling (Sunrise Beach, QLD) - 8.11
U16 Women
Olive Hardy (Gnarabup, WA) - 13.75
Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW) - 11.46
U14 Boys
Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD) - 15.25
Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW) - 15.00
U14 Girls
Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) - 15.61
Ily Fraser (Margaret River, WA) - 9.50
Surfing Australia Special Awards:
Duke Kahanamoku Award: Ocean Lancaster
Isabel Letham Award: Isla Huppatz
Overall State Champion:
1. NSW
2. Queensland
3. WA
4. Victoria
5. South Australia
6. Tasmania
For 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.
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.
