Australia's best young surfers spent the weekend in Mandurah, competing in the Peel Pro Junior.
Competitors were greeted with three to four foot waves at Avalon Point, near perfect conditions for the penultimate event of the World Surf League (WSL) Australia/Oceania Junior Series for 2024.
In the women’s final, Willow Hardy (Margaret River, WA), was crowned the champion ahead of fellow West Australian Isi Campbell (Denmark, WA).
Hardy scored a total of 9.00 from a possible 20, edging out Campbell's score of 6.50.
Hardy's win is her first on the WSL Pro Junior Series, moving her to fifth place on the rankings leading into the Cape Naturaliste Pro in Yallingup later this week.
“Isi is one of my best friends so it's always nice to share a final with her,” Hardy said.
“I came into the event with no pressure really, I haven't competed in a Pro Junior event this year, with my focus on the Qualifying Series and hopefully making the Challenger Series next year. I really love surfing here at Avalon and I couldn't be happier right now.”
In the men’s final, Marlon Harrison (Coolangatta, QLD), clinched the Peel Pro Junior title with a commanding display of skill and strategy throughout the entire event.
Harrison was the form surfer throughout the event and brought his best to the final, posting a combined two-wave total of 17.36 points (out of 20).
Harrison's win moves him to the top of the WSL Australia/Oceania Junior Series men's rankings and in position to qualify for the WSL World Junior Championships.
“I haven't been over to the West in a couple of years and Mandurah hasn't disappointed one bit,” Harrison said.
“To surf a perfect little left with just one other person out is a dream. This is my last Pro Junior event so I'm so stoked to go out with a win.”
Marlon Harrison. PIC:Surfing WA /Majeks
Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks said Mandurah definitely delivered.
“Congratulations to our event champions and big thanks to the Mandurah surfing community for sharing their waves and stoke over the weekend," Mr Majeks said.
The Peel Pro Junior marked an exciting start to the WA Pro Surf Series, with the attention now focused on Yallingup for the Cape Naturaliste Pro QS1000 event.
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