WOLLONGONG, NEW SOUTH WALES (November 27, 2024) — The YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles continued today at Woonona Beach, where competitors in the Under-18 and Under-16 divisions enjoyed fun three-foot waves. However, the Under-14 heats were canceled due to conditions.
Milla Brown from Newport, NSW, showcased her skills in the U18 Women’s division, achieving the highest heat total of the event with a score of 16.38 out of 20. This included an impressive single-wave score of 9.13 out of 10.
“I was watching Ruby Berry from behind, and she did two snaps,” Brown commented. “I didn’t want to fall to second place, and then a great wave came. I executed two big turns and scored a 9.13. I’m thrilled with how it went. The waves were a bit bigger today, which made it fun to surf with power. Competing alongside my best friends adds a layer of challenge since one of us will always get knocked out, but two of us made it through.”
In the U18 Men’s division, Remy North from Yallingup, WA, expressed satisfaction with his performance as he advanced to Round 4. “I felt good about my surfing and caught some solid waves,” he said. “The support from all the boys and girls, along with the staff from WA, really boosts your confidence. Hearing cheers from friends while walking to the beach brings out the best in everyone.”
Local surfer Alice Hodgson from Kiama Downs, NSW, also progressed to Round 4 in the U16 Women’s division. “I planned to catch rights but spotted a good left and went for it,” she explained. “It paid off with a score that helped me advance. I’m more comfortable going left on my backhand but am ready for rights in my next heat. The waves were clean and fun at about three and a half feet.”
The competition also saw the start of the U19 Girls school surfing division (MR Shield), with Palm Beach Currumbin SHS (QLD) and Dromana College (VIC) advancing directly to the final. In the U19 Boys division, Illawarra Grammar School (NSW) successfully navigated the elimination round.
Contest Director Jeremy Barnett noted that conditions were favorable today with slightly larger surf. He highlighted standout performances from Max McGillivray (Evans Head, NSW), Milla Brown, and local NSW Captain Sammy Lowe (Thirroul, NSW). However, due to an approaching storm that brought lightning over the escarpment late in the day, competition was called off early.
Tomorrow’s forecast predicts similar conditions but with a slight decrease in swell.
For detailed heat draws and results, visit LiveHeats.
About the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles:
The YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles feature divisions for junior men and women aged U14 to U18, along with a school surfing division for U16 to U19 competitors (MR Shield). Winners in the U16 and U18 categories will earn spots on the Irukandjis Team to represent Australia at the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.
Champions will join an esteemed list of past winners that includes world tour competitors like Stephanie Gilmore and Mick Fanning.
This year’s finals will be broadcast live on Surfing Australia’s YouTube channel on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1.
The event is supported by YETI, Destination NSW, Destination Wollongong, Surfing NSW, BLACKROLL, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, KJ Scaffolding, and Surfers for Climate.
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