Junior titles x first event
Western Australia's top junior surfers are set to tackle prime conditions at the iconic Surfers Point at Margaret River this weekend for the opening event of the WA Junior Surfing Titles presented by SunSmart.
Close to 100 male and female surfers aged between 10 and 17 years of age, will welcome the weekend forecast as well as the opportunity to compete at one of WA's most recognisable and time honoured locations, Margaret River Main Break.
Forming a key part of the West Australian junior development pathway, the WA Junior Surfing Titles will see the states best young surfers seeking qualification to the Australian Junior Surfing Titles which will take place in North Stradbroke Island, QLD later this year.
"This event guarantees our junior surfers an invaluable opportunity and experience to compete at a location currently on the World Championship Tour," said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks. "Just weeks out from the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, it's exciting to think that our groms will be setting the stage for the world's best to follow."
With surfers from as far south as Albany and as far north as Exmouth set to converge on Margaret River, it will be South West locals who'll be out to make the most of the home ground advantage this weekend.
Leading the local charge this weekend will be Margaret River's Jed Mattinson, Ben Spence and Bailee Hastie. While Yallingup's Kael Walsh, Josh Cattlin, Felix Leaver and Phoebe McGregor will also be surfers to watch.
Surfing WA's high performance coaches from each of the state's surfing regions (Metro, Peel, South-West, Great Southern and Mid-West) will be attending to mentor surfers, providing critical on-beach feedback and coaching during the event.
"This weekend offers another great opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of our high performance program which is in its third year as a state-wide program now," said Surfing WA High Performance Manager Mike McMonigal. "Our HP coaches come with a wealth of competition experience and will be pushing their surfers them to maximise their performance and state rankings."
Spectators and competitors are encouraged to interact via Instagram: Follow @surfing_wa and use the hashtag #WAsurfers #MargaretRiver #WestOz
Stay tuned to www.surfingwa.com.au for news, photos and updates relating to the event, with competition likely to kick off by 7:30am on Saturday with finals concluding on Sunday. Margaret River Boardriders will be providing onsite catering both days.
Surfing WA would like to note that the Surfers Point car park will be quite busy this weekend with the early construction phase of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro commencing on Saturday and blocking the slip road between Surfers Point and the Rivermouth. Surfing WA reminds all competitors and spectators to please be mindful of this and be courteous when parking and dropping off competitors.
About the WA Junior Surfing Titles: The WA Junior Surfing Titles is a three event series that travels to Margaret River, Trigg and Geraldton crowning State Champions across seven separate divisions. Surfers are seeking qualification for the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in North Stradbroke Island, QLD later this year.