Juniors show talent at Jan Juc

Former Jan Juc resident Tane Bowden is chaired off by his competitors after his victory. Photos: LIAM ROBERTSON

THE World Surf League (WSL) Hydralyte Sports Surf Series held its final event in Jan Juc last week.

The Hydralyte Sports Surf Series acts as part of the Oceania Junior Qualifying Series.

The men’s and women’s events were both won by New Zealanders, as Tane Bowden and Saffi Vette claimed victory.

Jan Juc local Xavier Huxtable finished third, ensuring he is still a chance of qualifying for the World Championships. The result moves him to third place up from fifth in the Oceanic Junior rankings.

Tane Bowden, a former Jan Juc resident himself, also ensured a chance of qualifying for the Championships with his win.

His victory was secured with an excellent 8.85 wave, taking his total to 15.50. He is now second on the Oceania rankings.

Bowden said getting the win at his former home made it extra special.

“New Zealand is the flag I surf under, but Victoria was such a special place for me to live.

“I used to surf here every day, so it’s so awesome to win this Hydralyte Sports Pro Junior back at Jan Juc”

Fellow New Zealander Saffi Vette claimed the women’s category. Her score of 11.45 just eclipsed Lily MacDonald tally of 11.25. Vette said she was delighted to take the win.

“Today was the first time I’ve ever made a Pro Junior Final, to win was just the cherry on top for what has been an amazing couple of days for me.”

Having won three of the previous events New South Wales’ Dakoda Walters did enough top spot in the men’s WSL Oceania Junior Qualifying Series despite dropping outing early in the day.

Walters said he was delighted to claim victory after a difficult start to the year.

“I had a really average start to the year and was struggling to even make a heat. I began to think I should not worry about doing any more events for the year and just wait till next year to see how I’d go and then I had one last shot at Cronulla and got the win.

“I ended up going on to win three in a row and now take the series so I’m stoked.”

Walters will now move on to the World Junior Championships in Taiwan.