Surfing Australia News Autumn 2016 | Page 30

Surf Dive ‘n Ski AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR SURFING TITLES Queensland’s North Stradbroke Island produced some of the best waves in Australian junior competition history for the Surf Dive N Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles in December 2015. Both Main Beach and Cylinders were firing for the entire week of competition that saw six states represented at the titles across Under 14, 16 and 18 age groups in both boys and girls divisions at the event that is considered the benchmark of junior surfing in the country. Kai Warner (NSW) and Sophie McCulloch (QLD) took out the Under 18 national titles. Warner’s superior wave selection combined with first class tube riding and rail work allowed him to overcome the powerful Quinn Bruce (QLD), fellow tube maestro Harley RossWebster and the ever stylish Zac Whightman in pumping Cylinder Beach perfection. Warner was over the moon with the national title and even had a joke with fellow finalist Ross-Webster on the podium. “Yeah it is awesome to get the win in such epic conditions and especially good to get one over Harley,” he said with a laugh. A previous runner up in the Under 18 girls division, McCulloch prevailed in a tight battle with Mia McCarthy (WA), Vittoria Farmer (QLD) and Marnie Durant (WA) by posting the highest individual wave score of the final with a long ride comprising of several big turns. Kyuss King (NSW) scored a perfect ten on the hooter with a double barrel screamer to take out the Under 16 Boys division whilst Macy Callaghan’s natural style and rail game allowed her to take out the Under 16 Girls title. 28 Issue 13 / Autumn 2016 The future o