Carbonelli carving to the top

A BELLS Beach surfer is on the path towards surfing stardom, after a runner-up finish at the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles in Wollongong.

Estella Carbonelli ripped her way into the event final of the under-14 girls division at the prestigious national championship in December.

The 12-year-old surfed well beyond her years, winning every heat on her way to a final showdown with Queenslander Navah Holmes.

Carbonelli narrowly fell short by four points but was thrilled with her performance, particularly given it was her first national appearance in

the division.

“It felt great; I was just so excited to get this result, particularly after not doing so well in the under-12s last year,” she said.

“I won the Taj Small Fries event in Western Australia earlier in the year and also won the Victorian state title.

“I’m now sitting in number two on the Australian rankings on the under-14 girls rankings, which makes me feel very cool.

“I’ve been surfing a lot, working with some coaches to see how I can improve, and trying my best.”

Carbonelli has her sights set on going one better at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in 2026. Before she does, she will need to back up her heroics and secure the Victorian title, starting with Bells Beach

later this month.

“I want to win Aussies for sure, but I’ll need to take out the Victorian events first,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to putting my best surfing on show against the other great surfers from across the state. They are so fun to compete with.”

Round 1 of the Victorian Junior Surfing Titles will take place between January 31 and February 1.