The 20th edition of Taj’s Small Fries, presented by Board.Store, reached new heights on its third day, marked by a powerful swell and standout performances from the competitors. Junior surfers in the Under-18 and Under-16 divisions showcased their skills in pumping conditions at Injidup Car Park, battling for spots in the finals. After two days of competition at Shallows, the arrival of a bigger swell ignited the atmosphere, drawing families, friends, and surf fans to the beach for an unforgettable display of talent and determination from some of Australasia’s best young surfers.
The Under-18 Boys and Girls hit the water for the first time, powering through multiple rounds in 4-5 foot surf. Their performances confirmed the bright future of the sport, with each heat offering thrilling displays of athleticism and technique.
Margaret River’s Okie Fraser stole the spotlight, delivering a flawless 10.00 ride and posting the highest combined total of the event—a remarkable 19.00 out of a possible 20—on his way to the Under-18 Boys semi-finals. Fraser impressed the crowd with a mix of traditional maneuvers and innovative airs, including two massive aerials that sent a clear message to his competitors. “I made the semis last year and would love to make the final this year,” Fraser said. “I’ve been waiting a couple of days to hit the water, but the waves were worth the wait. I surprised myself, but I’m super happy with my performance.”
Fraser will face local surfer Kade Martin (Dunsborough, WA) in the first semi-final, while Felix Byrnes (Merewether, NSW) takes on Will Martin (Coolangatta, QLD) in the second semi-final of the Under-18 Boys division.
In the Under-18 Girls, Ocea Curtis (Lennox Head, NSW), Meika Locke (Palm Beach, QLD), Ziggy Mackenzie (Bilinga, QLD), and Alice Hodgson (Kiama, NSW) earned their spots in the semi-finals with impressive performances. Curtis, who competed in a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series event at Injidup last October, found the familiar lineup advantageous. “I love it here in WA, and to score waves like this in an event is pretty rare,” Curtis said. “I’m excited to reach the semi-finals and hope the swell sticks around for finals day.”
The Under-16 Boys semi-finals were also set, with local surfer Crus Uros (Dunsborough, WA) facing Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW) in semi-final one. Ashton Mekisic (Wollongong, NSW) will compete against Brody Mulik (Margaret River, WA) in the second semi-final.
Defending Under-16 Girls champion Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW) aims for back-to-back victories at Taj’s Small Fries, but she must first overcome Grace Cook (Cowaramup, WA) to make the final. Maddison Kenchington (Tallebudgera, QLD) will compete against Miller-May Berg (Miami Beach, QLD) in the second Under-16 Girls semi-final.
Event host and international surfing icon Taj Burrow (Yallingup, WA), who has been unwell in recent days, enlisted past event champions and close friends to entertain the groms in his absence. Former WSL Championship Tour competitor and past Small Fries champion Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown, WA), along with 2015 Small Fries winner Kael Walsh (Yallingup, WA), joined Craig Anderson (Newcastle, NSW) and Jaleesa Vincent (Sunshine Coast, QLD) for a 30-minute expression session that added extra excitement to the day.
The fourth and final day of the 20th Taj’s Small Fries will be webcast live via www.streamer, allowing surf fans worldwide to tune in. As the first 10,000-point event of the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Series, the finals day promises to be an unmissable event.
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