Bassett crowned state surfing champ

BARWON Heads surfer Max Bassett has been crowned the Under 18 State Champion following the third round of the Victorian Junior Titles at Phillip Island over the weekend.

Bassett, who finished the third round with a 11.50 on the final day of action behind Somers surfer Arieh Peterson, did enough to take home the overall championship after two top two finishes in the opening rounds.

The win was an emotional one for the Bellarine local, as he snared enough points to earn the overall first place finish.

“It was fun waves, and even with the tide dropping out making conditions tricky, there were still a few out there,” Bassett said.

“It’s pretty emotional being in my last junior event but it has been a good experience.

“It’s cool to take out the state title as there are a lot of good competitors competing this year so it’s pretty good to get above them.”

Other locals who secured notable finishes from Round Three included Jerry Kelly (Barwon Heads) finishing third in the Under 18 Boys, Jan Juc’s Chloe Muscroft claiming second in the Under 16 Girls, and Jan Juc’s Harlem Pec claiming first in the Under 14 Boys.