Curtis claims breakthrough pro junior win

RISING surfer Ocea Curtis has secured her first professional junior title with a breakthrough win at North Narrabeen in Sydney.

The 17-year-old, who represents Lennox-Ballina Boardriders Club, delivered a standout performance in the final, overcoming a strong field that included local favourite Ruby Trew.

Her win places her among an elite group of past champions at the event, including Sally Fitzgibbons, Laura Enever and Sierra Kerr.

Curtis, who has previously represented Australia at the International Surfing Association World Junior Championships, said the victory was a long time coming.

“I’m stoked, the girls were ripping in the final,” she said. “I’m staying with Ruby Trew at her house, and it got close at the end.

“I was nervous, but I knew either one of us was going to win in that last exchange. But I’m so happy. I’ve been doing these pro juniors for a while and I’m glad to finally win one.”

Curtis will have the opportunity to build on her momentum at home, with Lennox Head set to host the Pro Junior division of the Oz Grom Open in July.

In the men’s division, Dane Henry continued his rapid rise, claiming victory in the Pro Junior final.

The Tweed Heads surfer, who is the reigning World Surf League World Junior Championship winner, posted an outstanding 9.87 to help secure the title.

“The wind puffed up perfectly for me, so I just wanted to surf how I like and ended up getting two real good scores,” Henry said. “So, I’m really, really excited and happy.”

Henry’s victory adds to an impressive 18-month run, which includes winning gold for Australia at the ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador.

In 2024, he also secured a junior world title at the ISA level, placing him among a select group of surfers to hold both junior and open world crowns.