Henry and Huppatz take out Tweed Coast Pro Junior

TWEED Coast local Dane Henry and Gold Coast surfer Isla Huppatz have claimed victory at the inaugural MURF Electric Bikes Tweed Coast Pro Junior at Duranbah Beach.

More than 90 of Australia’s and Oceania’s best 20-and-under surfers competed for a spot at next year’s WSL World Junior Championships.

Henry continued his strong run of form by claiming the title on home soil to secure his place in the qualification bracket for the world titles.

Fresh off becoming ISA World Junior Champion, Henry looked unstoppable in the men’s final, posting an 18-point heat total out of a possible 20.

 

His lightning-fast approach was too strong for Dom Thomas, Willem Watson and Willis Droomer, who finished second, third and fourth respectively.

“I’m stoked to win the Tweed Coast Pro Junior,” Henry said.

“It meant a lot to me to get the win in my hometown in front of all my family and friends, plus the Kingy Boardriders crew as well.

“It was one event on the calendar that I really wanted to take out, and I couldn’t be happier that I achieved that goal.”

 

With her first Pro Junior win of the year, Isla Huppatz moved into second place on the Australia/Oceania Regional Junior Rankings.

The stylish natural-footer also saved her best performance for last, scoring a 16.50 total in the final to defeat Tayla Green, Lucy Darragh and Stella Green.

“You don’t go in a comp unless you think you can win it, so I had some belief coming in,” Huppatz said.

“I took it heat by heat, and I’m glad to get the win. There were waves across the whole beach, and we were all spread out with opportunity, but I think I got the best of it. I’m so happy to take the win.”