GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Sunday, 14 June 2026) – Queensland’s best junior and grommet surfers delivered a spectacular display of high-performance surfing today at Duranbah Beach on the Gold Coast, with Queensland Champions crowned from the Under 12 divisions all the way to marquee Under 18 boys and girls at the Queensland Junior & Grommet Surfing Titles Grand Final presented by We Are Feel Good Inc.
Pumping conditions greeted competitors throughout the day, with clean overhead waves providing the perfect canvas for Queensland’s next generation of surfing talent to battle for state titles and positions in the Queensland Team for the Australian Junior Surfing Titles.
The Under 18 divisions capped off an action-packed day of competition, with Jesse Fergusson claiming the Under 18 Boys Queensland Title after a dominant performance throughout the event.
Fergusson entered the final full of confidence after posting the highest heat total of the entire 2026 Queensland Junior & Grommet Surfing Titles series, an outstanding 19.10 (out of a possible 20) in the semi-finals. He carried that momentum into the final, where he overcame a talented field that included several close friends to secure the Queensland Championship.
“It was actually pumping off the wall at Dbah and it all just came together,” said Fergusson.
“I’m really excited to be heading to the Aussie Titles in West Aus and getting the chance to surf Margaret River, which is a world class Championship Tour wave.”
The Under 18 Girls final was equally impressive, with Anna Huppatz narrowly defeating top seed Brisa Canina to secure the Queensland Title after a closely contested battle in quality surf.
“The waves were pretty fun. A bit tricky, but I’m lucky that I found a couple,” said Huppatz.
“I can’t wait to head over to Western Australia with the Queensland Team and I’m hoping that we score good waves!”
In the Under 16 Boys division, local talent Zac Johnston claimed victory on home turf. Representing Snapper Rocks Surfriders, Johnston delivered when it mattered most before being chaired up the beach by supporters proudly flying the club flag following his Queensland Championship win.
The Under 16 Girls final showcased the incredible depth of Queensland’s emerging female talent, with Amelia Craike overcoming top seed Maddison Kenchington in high-quality conditions to claim the state title.
The Under 14 Boys division produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the day, with Tully Crompton patiently waiting for an opportunity in the closing minutes of the final before finding the wave he needed to secure the Queensland Championship.
In the Under 14 Girls division, Sage Fleming continued her outstanding form shown during the Sunshine Coast qualifier, backing up her earlier victory to claim the Queensland Title and further cement her place in the Queensland Team heading to Western Australia.
The Under 12 Boys final saw top seed Zeph Bartlett continue his remarkable run through the series. Surfing well beyond his years in challenging overhead conditions, Bartlett dominated the final to secure the Queensland Championship.
The final’s began with the Under 12 Girls division, where Myra Brown produced another inspiring performance to claim the state title. Brown’s composure, confidence and surfing ability highlighted the exciting future of Queensland surfing and demonstrated the strength of the state’s youngest competitors.
With Queensland Champions now crowned and the Queensland Junior Team selected, attention turns to the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in Western Australia, where Queensland will look to defend the overall team title after claiming victory at Wollongong in 2025.
Surfing Queensland would like to thank its partners for their ongoing support, including BYD Gold Coast, Breaka Flavoured Milk, Dritimes, We Are Feel Good Inc, Blue Horizon and Ritual Vision.
2026 QUEENSLAND CHAMPIONS:
Under 18 Boys: Jesse Fergusson
Under 18 Girls: Anna Huppatz
Under 16 Boys: Zac Johnston
Under 16 Girls: Amelia Craike
Under 14 Boys: Tully Crompton
Under 14 Girls: Sage Fleming
Under 12 Boys: Zeph Bartlett
Under 12 Girls: Myra Brown
