Challenging conditions tested the region’s up and coming surfers at their annual high school contest.
Margaret River Senior High School’s surf academy took to the coast for their private contest on Friday, March 8.
Academy co-ordinator and teacher Mark Meyer said the conditions tested his young charges.
“The swell had a lot of push and made it really challenging for our junior surfers,” he said.
“Many surfers had to run around on the beach to get back out in the rip.
“This becomes very physically demanding in a 20-minute surfing heat.
“Trying to find surfable waves between bigger close-outs was difficult.”
Veteran junior surfers Kaleisha Launders and Okie Fraser claimed the two senior divisions, while Blake Mulik took the senior bodyboard title and Harper Payne claimed the junior division’s.
In the junior surfing, it was a close contest in what Mr Meyer said were “tricky conditions”.
Ethan Anderson claimed the win for the boys ahead of Jahli Clarke, Jack Bowdell and Ethan Ahola.
Leila Fraser won the girls’ division against Olive Hardy, Mia Jacobs and Sienna Bowdell.
Mr Meyer said there was significant strength in the junior cohort, which promised a continuing presence of Margaret River surfers in future State and national contests.
“It was impressive to see how much talent we have in the Year 7 group this year,” he said.
“Much of this junior group have come from Cowaramup and been involved with the Cowaramup Bay Board Riders.
“I think these guys are going to push each other in the years to come.”
Mr Meyer also lauded Launders and Fraser for their senior grabs.
Launders was a “standout” in her contest final against Asha Clarke and Lisa Botha, while Fraser was on fire, dominating with barrel rides and big turns after closing down with a near perfect score in the semi-finals.
The academy boss also thanked parents for their help, Perry Hatchett from Water Patrol Australia for keeping the grommets safe and judges Rohan Annesley and Ryan Hardy.
Source Agencies
