Another big fortnight for Torquay Boardriders

THE conclusion of another busy fortnight for Torquay Boardriders has seen the running of the fourth junior aggregate and many of our members surf to success in the second round of the Woolworths Junior Surfing Titles, which was held at Smiths Beach on Phillip Island over the last weekend.

The day started really well with clean conditions, some sunshine and fun 2-3-foot waves. Unfortunately, the conditions didn’t stay this way for too long and at about 9.30am the rain and wind came in. However, as we’ve witnessed many times before, it didn’t dampen the spirits of our junior competitors, who continued to tackle the conditions head on showing incredible commitment and courage.

The Under 12 girls proved to be the stand outs for the event, dealing with the challenging conditions with real tenacity, having to face their fears to paddle out through the dumping high tide shore break. True testament to the club’s tag line “Go hard or Go home” – all six competitors received a Roxy Gift voucher for their amazing effort, keep it up girls.

Willis Droomer took out the U/14 Boys division showing off his consistency and raw talent. The under 14 Girls final was a real shootout with all the girls getting some great waves. It was Isla Huppatz however, who took out the win. Jarvis Barrow and Chloe Muscroft were able to take out the U12 Boys and Girls divisions with some incredible surfing well beyond their years.

The Ripcurl Outstanding Performance Award went to Eddie Martin who surfed extremely well throughout the whole day.

The Most Adventurous Roxy award went to Ivy Burns in the under 12 Girls division for her committed approach to the challenging conditions.

On the other side of the coast, this weekend we saw round two of the Woolworths Victorian Junior Surfing Titles get underway at Smiths Beach on Phillip Island. With some tough conditions on Saturday, competitors were greeted with some great waves on the Sunday for finals day.

Many of our young juniors showed why they are some of the best that the state has to offer, with 14 of our junior members making the respective final in their division.

A whopping five out of six total divisions were taken out by a Torquay Boardriders member which is a great achievement.

With some epic conditions late in the day the U/18 Girls and Boys divisions took advantage with some amazing surfing taking place.

In the U/18 Girls division, big wave charger Angela Ball threw herself at the best waves of the heat putting together some major manoeuvres on these waves to get the win. Ball now inches closer to taking out the U/18 Girls state title with the last round of the series just around the corner. Another good result and the state title could be going home in Ball’s grasp.

Ball finished with a strong heat total of 16.34 out of a possible 20 points including an excellent 8.67-point ride.

In the last heat of the day, Xavier Huxtable showed why he holds such high credentials putting on a masterclass to get the win in the U/18 Boys division.

With a recent World Tour event debut under his belt at the Ripcurl Pro Bells Beach and some solid results of late on the Pro Junior circuit, Huxtable looked in red-hot form. After getting a perfect 10-point ride in his semi-final, Huxtable carried this form into the final combining a 9.17-point ride and a backup of an 8.07 for a 17.24 total out of a possible 20, seeing him run away with it to secure an event win.

Willis Droomer was far too strong in the U/14 Boys division slashing apart the Smith’s Beach line-up to get an event win. After winning the first round of the series at Gunnamatta, Droomer has set himself up for a good crack at taking out the coveted state title in his division.

Sarsha Pancic was able to take a comfortable win in the U/14 Girls division and former Australian champion Ellie Harrison was too strong in the U/16 girls division. A big shout out must also go to our other finalists: Another big fortnight
for Torquay Boardriders Angela Ball U/18 Girls winner. Photos: CAHILL BELL-WARREN/SURFING VICTORIA Xavier Huxtable U/18 Boys winner.

• U/14 Girls:
2nd: Sara Hickson
4th: Isla Huppatz

• U/14 Boys:
4th: Lucas Hickson

• U/16 Girls:
2nd: Mia Huppatz
4th: Jazz Wylie

• U/16 Boys:
2nd: Paddy Hughes

• U/18 Girls:
3rd Angelique Kefalas
5th: Bella Wilson

• U/18 Boys:
3rd Bohdie Williams.

Congratulations to all our members who went over and competed in the event.

A reminder to all members, the third senior aggregate of the year will take place this weekend.

It will be the first event of the season at the reef breaks so get your registrations in!

The third senior aggregate will be proudly brought to you by Torquay Dental.

That’s a wrap. Stay Cool.