Surfing Western Australia

Brownes Chill WA Junior Titles Score Quality Surf in Margaret River

Monday, 19 April 2010

In what can only be described as a picture perfect weekend of surfing, Margaret River locals have dominated the second event of the Brownes Chill WA Junior Surfing Titles held over the weekend. Light offshore winds and a clean but small ground swell provided ideal conditions for over 90 of WA's best junior surfers.

Traditionally, the second round of competition is the most important, with surfers looking to capitalise on their round one result or make their presence felt on the series ratings. After a hugely successful first event at Trigg Point, Mother Nature smiled kindly on competitors once again and set the tone for an amazing weekend of surfing. The event saw State Champions crowned across four divisions, as well as the rating points tighten in what has become one of the most entertaining junior surfing series in recent history.

The Brownes Chill WA Junior Surfing Titles is the breeding ground for the next generation of professional surfers, with the likes of world number one Taj Burrow and top female surfer Claire Bevilacqua both making their way to the professional ranks by first surfing in the state titles as juniors. But it was the new generation of surfers that were busy making a name for themselves with some simply awesome performances.

Day one heats were held at the notoriously hollow and unforgiving Gas Bay, where fast barrelling waves were to be expected. Waves in the 1.0 -1.5m range (2-4 feet) were rolling through and exploding over a particularly shallow reef ledge, making for some great surfing and also a few heavy wipeouts. Despite many competitors never surfing the location before, there were no signs of fear or apprehension as the level of surfing increased for the occasion. Margaret River and Yallingup surfers looked suited to the size and power on offer and made the most of the chance to surf their home breaks.

The preliminary rounds of competition were dominated by performances from Creed McTaggart, Shaun Green, Jacob Willcox, and Jack Robinson, who all showed that they are all at the forefront of junior surfing in WA with some jaw dropping efforts and innovative surfing which impressed the judges.

McTaggart, who recently returned from Bells Beach in Victoria after competing in the Rip Curl International GromSearch final, set about asserting his dominance on the event from the get go. Deep tubes, and powerful forehand manoeuvres saw the talented natural footer post some of the day's best heat scores which included a 9.50 and an 8.50 which sent an ominous sign to his opposition.

"The waves were so good today and Gas is one of my favourite places to surf." Said McTaggart after his opening heat.

Other surfers to impress on day one were, James Fleming (Geraldton) Sam Humphry (Wembly Downs), Matt Connell (City Beach), Josh Burke (Margaret River) Jye Perkins (Kalbarri), Shaun Manners (Margaret River) and Jake Edwards (Cottelsoe) who all had comfortable wins in their heats.

Clean conditions and light winds persisted all day and made for the most memorable start to an event in many years. Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks commented on the waves saying, "It was like nothing we've ever seen before at a junior event in WA. Everyone knows how good Margaret River can be, but to have these sorts of waves on offer for the kids is just great. There were few big ones out there but the kids aren't holding back, it might be a bit out of their comfort zone out there, but they're all stepping it up."

With preliminary heats completed Saturday, Sunday dawned with clean offshore winds once again, but a moderating swell. The decision was made to shift the event from Gas Bay where the waves had slowed, to an awesome spot know as Big Rock in Gracetown. Again perfect waves in the 2-3 feet range saw more high performance surfing place across all divisions.

The U18 Junior Men's final saw the weekend's best surfers square off in a nail bitting 25 minute heat. Two surfers from the South-West, Creed McTaggart and Jack Robinson took on two surfers from the North-West, Jesse Carter and Jye Perkins both from Kalbarri. It was McTaggart that wasted no time and set about posting solid scores from the opening minutes. McTaggart dominated the heat surfing with his typical style and flair, to claim his stake on back to back wins in the division.

McTaggart was firstly challenged by Carter who posted a 6.00 point ride to move within striking distance. But it was a last minute 7.65 ride to Jack Robinson which included a massive aerial reverse that was enough to see the young surfer move into the lead with only minutes remaining.

Robinson was delighted with the result and couldn't contain his excitement. When asked about his winning wave Robinson replied.

"I wasn't sure what to do, I was just looking for the section to hit and when it came I had to go big."

"Its been such a great event, with such good waves it's been amazing."

McTaggart was disappointed with the result finishing second, although he won the opening event of the series he was unable to secure the State Title on his home turf. Jesse Carter finished in third with a gutsy performance for Jye Perkins who finished in fourth.

Not to be out done by the boys, the U18 Junior Women also provided an entertaining final, with Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown) using her home court advantage to win her first event of the series. The daughter of former world number three Dave Macaulay, Bronte showed that surfing runs in the blood locking in the two highest scores of the final, a 7.75 and a 6.75 to finish with a total of 14.50 from a possible 20 to take the win comfortably ahead of Mikaela Greene (Yallingup) in second, Carly Lynch (Dunsborough) in third, with Eliza Greene (Yallingup) finishing in fourth.

"There's always a good waves here, we live just down the road and get to surf this place all the time. I just seemed to be in the right place at the right time today for the good ones." Said Macaulay.

Margaret River's Shaun Green lived up to all expectations by winning his first ever U16 Cadet Boys State Title. One of the form surfers of the weekend, Green's sometimes relaxed style was replaced by a much more aggressive and attacking approach which served him well during the U16 final. Green was sitting in second place behind Jack Robinson for much of the final, but a last ditch attempt was rewarded with a 7.75 to move ahead of Robinson with only seconds remaining. The result was enough to Green claim the State Title ahead of Robinson in second, Jacob Wilcox in third and James Fleming in fourth.

"I cant believe it, my first under 16 State Title. Im really keen to foucs on my surfing and I cant wait for the Aussie National Titles already. It was such a close final so to come out on top just makes me feel so stoke." Commented to an elated Green after his win.

In other results from the weekend Jacob Wilcox won the U14 Grommets final and also claimed back to back U14 State Titles. The young goofy footer impressed all day with his never say die attitude and solid backhand attack was to good for close friend Shaun Manners (Margaret River) who finished second, with Cottesloe's Jake Edwards in third, and Mandurah's Ace Van Peer rounding out the top four.

Hannah Massie (Margaret River) won the U16 Cadet Girls, while Eliza Greene did enough to claim a win in the U14 Grommet Girls final and take out the State Title in the same division. In the U12 Micro Groms Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup) won his first ever State Title with some great surfing which will have tongues wagging into the future.

With so many surfers now striving for the remaining State Titles and WA State Junior Team positions the last round of competition is set to be a stunner. Geraldton will play host to the third and final Brownes Chill WA Junior Surfing Titles on the 24-25th of July and the Mid-West is set to be invaded by some of the shinning stars of WA junior surfing.

For more info on all junior surfing events in WA best sure to check out www.surfingwa.com.au and www.gromstart.com   

The Brownes Chill WA Junior Surfing Titles are proudly presented by SunSmart and proudly supported by Surfing Western Australia and Margaret River Boardriders Club.

Check out the event video link at http://vimeo.com/11175394  

Photos Available

Complimentary high resolution images are available through Surfing WA official event photographer Nick Woolacott. Images of other place getters are available for your specific region of circulation, contact: Nick Woolacott, nicwooly@hotmail.com ph: 0430 434 022 photo credit: Woolacott Images.

FINAL RESULTS

U18 Junior Men: 1. Jack Robinson (Margaret River) , 2. Creed McTaggart (Margaret River), 3. Jesse Carter (Kalbarri), 4. Jye Perkins (Kalbarri).

U18 Junior Women: 1. Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Mikaela Greene (Yallingup), 3. Carly Lynch (Yallingup), 4. Eliza Greene (Yallingup).

U16 Cadet Boys: 1. Shaun Green (Margaret River) , 2. Jack Robinson (Margaret River), 3. Jacob Willcox (Margaret River), 4. James Fleming (Geradlton). State Champion: Shaun Green

U16 Cadet Girls: 1. Hannah Massie (Margaret River), 2. Eliza Greene (Yallingup), 3. Emi Campbell (Denmark), 4. Riley Nagtzaam (Yallingup).

U14 Grommet Boys: 1.Jacob Wilcox (Margaret River), 2. Shaun Manners (Margaret River), 3. Jake Edwards (Cottesloe), 4. Ace Van Peer (Mandurah). State Champion: Jacob Willcox

U14 Grommet Girls: 1. Eliza Greene (Yallingup), 2. Emi Campbell (Denmark) , 3. Riley Nagtzaam (Yallingup), 4. Ella Massie (Margaret River). State Champion: Eliza Greene

U12 Micro-Groms: 1. Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup), 2. Kila Hatchett (Margaret River), 3. Kale Walsh (Mount Claremont), 4. Charlie Wise (Mosman Park) State Champion: Duke Nagtzaam

For more information contact:

Surfing Western Australia - Event Manager
Justin Majeks
T: +61 8 9448 0004
justin.majeks@surfingwa.com.au

Surfing Western Australia - Event Photographer
Nick Woolacott
T: +61430 434 022
nicwooly@hotmail.com

Surfing Western Australia - Videographer
Darren McCagh
T: +61413 768 336
spektrumdaz@hotmail.com

About Brownes Chill:

Brownes Chill has long been a favourite flavoured milk for West Australians. Chill is available in a wide range of flavours, from Banana and Strawberry to Chocolate and Iced Coffee, as well as the signature Coffee Chill.