Queensland’s best junior surfers made it rain today at event one of the 2023 Woolworths Queensland Junior Titles. The champions were decided in fun and clean 2-foot waves at Second Avenue Burleigh Heads.
It was a day of hotly contested matchups as we saw Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast’s best junior surfers go head-to-head for a Queensland Title and a position at the 2023 Australian Junior Surfing Titles.
The Under 16 Girls Division was the first final off the mark and was won by Anna Huppatz (Bilinga). Huppatz, a local Burleigh Boardrider, took an early lead and held it the entire final. She showed her local knowledge as she pieced together a combination of manoeuvres to score 11.33 (out of a possible 20).
Mitchell Peterson (Noosa Heads) was in fine form all weekend and continued to dominate each heat with his powerful forehand surfing. Peterson defeated Caden Francis,Tommy Horn and Hayden Danswan to claim the Under 16 Boys final.
Isla Huppatz (Bilinga) followed in her younger sisters footsteps, taking an early lead and going from strength to strength to claim the Under 18 Girls Division.
Isla said it was extra special to win today especially after younger sister Anna got one of her first wins.
“I was paddling out for the final with a massive smile on my face after my younger sister had got one of her first wins today,” said Huppatz. “I think Anna will get the pick of a takeaway dinner tonight. I’m hoping she chooses Sushi.”
Continuing on his winning streak, Landen Smales (Noosa Heads) ended up in the top spot in the Under 18 boys division. Smales defeated Isaac Markwell, Davi Glazer and Jye Pegg.
Full event results and series placings are listed below.
Competitors will now head to the Sunshine Coast on the 17-18 June, and their results from the two competitions will be added together to determine the overall series winners and State Champions.
The 2023 Woolworths QLD Grommet and Junior Titles are supported by Woolworths, DriTimes, We Are Feel Good Inc, Suzuki Queensland, QMS Media, The Point Coolum Beach, Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast Council and Surfing Australia.
EVENT WINNERS
U16 Girls
1st – Anna Huppatz
2nd – Meika Locke
3rd – Sea White
4th – Oli Taylor
U16 Boys
1st – Mitchell Peterson
2nd – Caden Francis
3rd – Tommy Horn
4th – Hayden Danswan
U18 Girls
1st – Isla Huppatz
2nd – Jordy Halford
3rd – Amarnie Barber
4th – Sarah Young
U18 Boys
1st – Landen Smales
2nd – Isaac Markwell
3rd – Davi Glazer
4th – Jye Pegg
WOOLWORTHS QLD GROM & JUNIOR EVENT SERIES SCHEDULE
2023 Woolworths QLD Grommet Titles, Event One, Sunshine Coast: 27 – 28 May (Completed)
2023 Woolworths QLD Junior Titles, Event One, Gold Coast: 3 – 4 June
2023 Woolworths QLD Grommet Titles, Event Two, Gold Coast 10 – 11 June
2023 Woolworths QLD Junior Titles, Event Two, Sunshine Coast: 17 – 18 June
