Stage set for junior surfers with return of Tweed Coast Pro

KINGSCLIFF Boardriders Club is hosting the return of the Tweed Coast Pro Junior with the event to attract 100 of the best young surfers from across the country.

It is sanctioned by the World Surf League and will be a mobile event with most of the surfing likely to be at Duranbah Beach or Kingscliff on October 4-5.

It will feature the likes of Australian team members Dane Henry and Milla Brown along with Gold Coast sensation Isla Huppatz.

Henry is part of the Kingscliff Boardriders Club and recently won a gold medal with the national team after being crowned junior world champion last year.

The club also has teenage siblings Ava and Lachlan Arghyros in the event.

The event is a rare chance for Far North Coast juniors to compete in a major competition on their home break.

“It’s the first time in a few years we’ve had a pro junior event like this on the Tweed Coast so it’s pretty exciting,” event coordinator Kiri Henry said.

“We saw a bit of a gap in the market, and we’ve been able to bring it back due to community support and a great bunch of sponsors.

“Some of the surfers have done really well on the international stage and they’re being pushed by the other juniors who are chasing points on the tour.”

Athletes will be welcomed on the Friday night at the Kingscliff Beach Hotel where an international surfing movie, Snapt5 will be premiered.

The organising team has worked with Tweed Shire Council to ensure extra safety measures are in place.

“There have been concerns around the whales that have washed up on the beaches,” Henry said.

“We have a strong water safety plan in place with drones and jet skis.

“Our team have covered all bases and we’ll be doing everything we can to make this a regular event on the calendar.”