Carbonelli rips her way to the top in WA

JAN JUC surfer Estella Carbonelli has clinched back-to-back wins at the Taj Small Fries national surfing event in Yallingup, Western Australia.

The 12-year-old reigned supreme in an all-Surf Coast final, taking out the win over close friend Stevie O’Day from Torquay.

After four-long days of competing, the Under 14 Girls final was the last of 104 heats for this year’s event and it was one of the best.

Carbonelli rode seven waves in the final, and ditched a six point ride and two fives which didn’t go into her top two scores.

O’Day caught 11 waves in the final and threw away three sixes and a five.

The lead swapped multiple times and with minutes to go O’Day went off hunting a score on the left, leaving Carbonelli on her own at the right’s more traditional take off point.

O’Day posted a 7.63 for a series of beautifully linked backhand turns to the steal the lead, before looking up and seeing Carbonelli on the best wave of the final, which she promptly tore to pieces.

With power belying her 12-year-old stature, she rode off the last manoevre and stood staunch to put together a 16.14 heat total.

For her efforts, she took home the win and the Creatures Cash Box $50.

“Yeah, that was a claim,” she admitted afterwards.

“I somehow won! We’re friends but we were just surfing our brains out and having fun. I was so happy after that last wave. Thanks to my family for getting me over here, and my friends for coming down and supporting me!”