Australia’s emerging surfing stars shone brightly at the Arnette Australia Junior Surfing Titles, held from November 28 to December 5 at Coolum Beach Queensland.
Traditionally, the Arnette Australia Junior Surfing Titles has been a showcase for future stars of Australia’s under 18 surfers.
This year, the spotlight shone most brightly on Tyler Wright, who won the under 18 girls final.
In doing so, Wright has added to already stellar junior record, which some have suggested is the greatest junior record in the history of surfing.
At just 16 years old, Wright has already has a 2008 ASP World Tour victory to her name, and is also an under 18 World Champion and Australian under 16 champion.
The under 16 girls final was also very memorable, with Ellie Jean-Coffey making a huge effort in the final five seconds, coming from second place to win the event.
Jean-Coffey defeated Eden Putland, who was in the lead for the majority of the final.
Tim Macdonald was claimed a narrow victory in the boys under 18 final.
Macdonald won the event with a score of 18.54, defeating Wade Carmichael on 16.54.
Matt Banting was the winner of the boys under 16 final.
As well as winning titles, Banting, Macdonald and Wright can all look forward to being automatically selected for the Travelsim Team Australia, which heads to New Zealand in January 2010 for the World Junior Surfing Championships
The Duke Kahanamoku and Ma/Pa Bendall/Isabel Letham awards for rising male and female junior surfers were received by Matt Banting and Eden Putland.
The awards are given to those who show a high degree of sportsmanship and international surfing potential.
Finally, the blue ribbon MR shield finals that decide the top schools in surfing were dominated by NSW who came in first place in the event.
The 2010 Arnette Australia Junior Surfing Titles will be held at Phillip Island, Victoria in early December
BLK1 Article: JUSTIN MACDONALD BLK1 Photographer: [PETER SOLLNER OR OTHER PHOTOGRAPHER]
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