Four NSW Junior Athletes have been crowned Champions at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles this month in Wollongong.
Contest Director Jeremy Barnett praised the exceptional performances: “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.”
In the U18 Men’s Final, Samuel Lowe (Thirroul, NSW) 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 but still walking away with a silver medal.
“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.”
Milla Brown (Bungan, NSW) claimed the win in the U18 Women’s Final, with two excellent scores in a heat that organisers and commentators alike said the was one of the best heats in Australian junior surfing history. Milla brought home the win with a huge air reverse, scoring an 8.45 to seal her victory over Queenslander Isla Huppatz.
“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.’”
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 Queenslander Henry Dowling 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.”
Ocean has always been a stand-out competitor in his respected division and it’s great to see him securing another well deserved win.
In the U14 Girls final, Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) defeated young WA athlete 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.”
Talia dominated all earlier rounds of competition and was looking good for the win. She held her composure well and finished strong, being a big part of Team NSW’s overall win for this year’s Australian Junior Titles.
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
Overall State Champion:
1. NSW
2. Queensland
3. WA
4. Victoria
5. South Australia
6. Tasmania
For full results, please visit LiveHeats.
For all event images and for more information, see here.
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.
This year, the finals action will was broadcast live on the Surfing Australia YouTube channel.
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.
IMage Credits: Aaron Hughes
