WOLLONGONG, NEW SOUTH WALES (December 1, 2024): Six YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles Champions were crowned today, with the women delivering an aerial masterclass in the U18 final, and Samuel Lowe claiming the Men’s title 30 years after his father achieved the same feat.
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.”
U18 Men’s Final: Samuel Lowe Follows in His Father’s Footsteps
Samuel Lowe (Thirroul, NSW), whose father Mick Lowe is a former WSL surfer and the 1994 Australian Junior Champion, posted the highest heat total of the day, a 17.55 (out of a possible 20). With two excellent scores, including a 9.30 (out of a possible 10), Lowe left Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW) comboed in the U18 Men’s final.
“I can’t believe it. That was probably the best day of my life,” Lowe said. “The last couple of years have been the biggest rollercoaster for me. From a couple of good results here and there to just losing first round. This year has been the most injury ridden year I’ve ever had. I was out at the start of the year for three months and then I did my knee and missed a couple more comps. The hard work I’ve had to put back into it now is just coming out to show and I couldn’t be more stoked.”
“It didn’t really hit till Fletcher came over to me, one minute to go. I knew I had a big score on that one wave. I thought he could still get the score so I was up tight and personal with him. Then he said he was in combo and came gave me a high five. A huge shout out to Fletch he’s been pushing me since we were 12. I can’t remember a year when he hasn’t been a standout kid so a huge shoutout to him for raising the bar every year.”
U18 Women’s Final: An Unforgettable Showdown
Organisers and commentators alike said the U18 Women’s final was one of the best heats in Australian junior surfing history.
Milla Brown (Newport, NSW) claimed the win with two excellent scores in a tight battle with Isla Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD). Huppatz, who earlier posted the highest single wave score of the day, a 9.58 in her semifinal, was relentless. She was awarded a 9.45 for landing a massive air, but Milla answered back with a similar air reverse, scoring an 8.45 to seal her victory
“It feels crazy,” Brown said. “I almost had Isla in combo. She needed a high 9 with three minutes left. I let her go on an insider, and she does a proper air rev. Not even a little one, a proper one. I thought, ‘I’ve just cooked this so hard.’ Then I saw another insider and did a little air and got the score. I was so stoked.”
“Me and Isla have been talking about this moment for so long. Before we paddled out, we said, ‘Let’s make this the best heat ever.'”
U16 Men’s Final: Ocean Lancaster Dominates
In the U16 Men’s final, Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW) started strong, posting an excellent 8.93 three-turn ride, and maintaining pressure with a 7.63 backup, leaving Henry Dowling (Sunrise Beach, QLD) comboed.
“That was a dream come true. Coming out on top put the icing on the cake,” Lancaster said. “I had a good start to the year, got rattled in the middle, but all the hard work paid off here. It feels so good.”
U16 Women’s Final: Olive Hardy Continues the Family Legacy
Olive Hardy (Gnarabup, WA) followed in her sister Willow Hardy’s footsteps, winning the U16 Women’s final against Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW) with a heat total of 13.75 to Lucy’s 11.46. The win also secured Olive a spot on the Irukandjis Team.
“I’m so excited,” Hardy said. “It has been my dream for so long since I’ve been watching Willow’s heats when I was 12 at El Salvador, I’m just so stoked. Mum and Dad were so stoked—we were all pretty much crying. Over this past week, I’ve had such a good time with Team West Oz. That took the pressure off it. Knowing my whole team was backing me.”
U14 Boys Final: Zac Johnston Edges Out Locana Cullen
In the Under 14 Boys final, Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD) and Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW) went wave for wave, with Zac posting an excellent 8.75 single-wave score. Despite a huge turn on a set wave, Loci came up just 0.25 points short to finish as runner-up.
“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!”
U14 Girls Final: Talia Tebb Shines
In the U14 Girls final, Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) defeated 11-year-old Ily Fraser (Margaret River, WA) with two solid scores, including a 7.93.
“It feels so good. I’m so stoked,” Tebb said. “The waves were pumping out there. I was pretty nervous at the start because I haven’t had the best year, but this win means a lot.”
Finals Results:
U18 Men
Samuel Lowe (Thirroul, NSW) – 17.55
Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW) – 13.00
U18 Women
Milla Brown (Newport, NSW) – 16.95
Isla Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD) – 16.20
U16 Men
Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW) – 16.56
Henry Dowling (Sunrise Beach, QLD) – 8.11
U16 Women
Olive Hardy (Gnarabup, WA) – 13.75
Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW) – 11.46
U14 Boys
Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD) – 15.25
Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW) – 15.00
U14 Girls
Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) – 15.61
Ily Fraser (Margaret River, WA) – 9.50
Surfing Australia Special Awards:
Duke Kahanamoku Award: Ocean Lancaster
Isabel Letham Award: Isla Huppatz
Overall State Champion:
1. New South Wales
2. Queensland
3. Western Australia
4. Victoria
5. South Australia
6. Tasmania
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.
This year, the finals action will was broadcast live on the Surfing Australia YouTube channel.
Event website https://australianjuniorsurfingtitles.com.
The YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles are proudly supported by YETI, Destination NSW, Destination Wollongong, Surfing NSW, BLACKROLL, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, KJ Scaffolding and Surfers for Climate.
