Caption: Team Queensland on Day 1 of the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles. Credit: Surfing Australia
Six champions emerged victorious on Sunday at the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles, marking the culmination of an action-packed week of elite competition. Highlights included Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD) clinching the U14 Boys title, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS (QLD) securing the U16 Boys MR Shield, and the U18 Women delivering an aerial masterclass in their final. Queensland place second in the State Tag Team and capped off the event by earning the overall Runner-Up position, showcasing the depth of talent within the state’s junior surfers.
In the Under 14 Boys final, Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD) delivered an outstanding performance, going wave for wave with Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW). Zac’s impressive 8.75 single-wave score showcased his skill and composure under pressure. Despite a strong effort from Loci, whose massive turn on a set wave brought him within 0.25 points, Zac held his ground to claim a well-deserved victory.
“I can’t believe it,” Johnston said. “It’s crazy. I don’t know what to say! I knew I needed to score. I stuck that turn and was so happy. I was just hoping it would be enough. Everyone was cheering when Loci got his wave. I was just praying it wasn’t the score!”
In the U16 Boys MR Shield, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School (QLD) won, with Jai Nield and Luca Martin executing a well-thought-out strategy. Nield said: “Our plan was to focus on critical sections and finish the waves off to get the score. It worked for both of us, and we’re stoked with the result.”
Organisers and commentators alike said the U18 Women’s final was one of the best heats in Australian junior surfing history.
Isla Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD) delivered an outstanding performance in a tightly contested heat against her close friend, Milla Brown (Newport, NSW). After setting the standard in the semifinals with the day’s highest single-wave score, an incredible 9.58, Isla carried her momentum into the final, showcasing her talent and determination. Her massive air earned her an impressive 9.45, wowing both the judges and spectators. Though the win narrowly slipped away, Isla’s efforts in the water were nothing short of inspiring, cementing her place as one of Queensland’s rising stars and awarding her the Isabel Letham Award.
Contest Director Jeremy Barnett praised the exceptional performances: “The heat between Isla Huppatz and Milla Brown was the best finish to an Australian Titles ever. The conditions were perfect with three-to-four foot and silky smooth waves, giving every competitor the opportunity to to win because of the waves. I’d like to congratulate all the competitors and states for putting on such a wonderful spectacle. Our region is thankful for that.”
In the U16 Men’s final, Henry Dowling (Sunrise Beach, QLD) gave it his all against a formidable opponent, Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW). Despite Lancaster opening strong with an impressive 8.93 for a powerful three-turn combination and backing it up with a 7.63, Dowling showed resilience and determination throughout the heat. His effort and sportsmanship were a testament to his skill and character, making Queensland proud on the national stage.
The Queensland team thrived under the mentorship of professional surfer Oscar Berry, Team Manager Kylie Bilsen, and coaches Jade Wheatley and Kurt Barrow. Their expertise and support were instrumental in shaping the team’s performance and nurturing a strong competitive spirit.
Surfing Queensland has expressed immense pride in the outstanding efforts of its Junior team and is eagerly looking forward to their continued success in next year’s Australian Junior Surfing Titles.
For full results, please visit LiveHeats.
About the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles:
The YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles encompass individual divisions for U14-U18 junior men and women as well as a school surfing division for U16-U19 (MR Shield) junior men and women.
Champions in U16 and U18 men and women will earn a spot on the Irukandjis Team to represent Australia at the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.
Every winner will also join a prestigious honour roll alongside current and former world Tour competitors, including Stephanie Gilmore, Molly Picklum, Sally Fitzgibbons, Laura Enever, Tyler Wright, Nikki Van Dijk, Coco Cairns, Owen Wright, Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and Reef Heazlewood.
State Tag Team – Finals Results:
1st New South Wales – 29.99
2nd Queensland – 26.69
3rd Victoria – 24.11
4th Western Australia – 22.56
5th South Australia – 12.56
6th Tasmania – 9.85
Overall State Champion:
1. NSW
2. Queensland
3. WA
4. Victoria
5. South Australia
6. Tasmania
