An unprecedented day of surfing took place on Sunday the 10th of March at The Corner, Lyall Bay. It was the much anticipated 2024 Wellington Junior Surfing Championships brought to you by the Wellington Boardriders.

A calm morning with gloomy skies was complimented with a sleepy swell and a full tide. Consistent, glassy, shapely lefts ran along The Corner’s ever present lefthand sandbank.

The early morning free surfers courteously moved to the side to allow the action to kick off at 8am. The tide fittingly began it's withdrawal and the once sleepy swell was now waking up. The under 21 boys division hit the water first. Highlights included a stacked second heat with local favourite Karsen posting two excellent wave scores to secure the win. The second advancing surfer also looking comfortable at his local spot was an in-form Jett who narrowly progressed ahead of Kapiti goofyfoot surfer Alfie and Eastbourne’ Jack. The heat had set the tone for the day and more impressive surfing was to follow.

The Under 18 Boys final was hotly contested with goofy foot Charlie Rapson's display of solid surfing fundamentals appeasing the judges. Lockie held onto second place after a strong start, just ahead of Sam who found plenty of waves but none that allowed him a compliant canvas to work with. Ruben just missed out on the podium with a respectable fourth place.

Under 21 female surfer Jess (Moo) relished her 20-minute final making the most of a scarce corner lineup. She carefully selected a long wally left then proceeded to rip it pieces, totally unimpeded from start to finish. Wellington East Girls College were represented well with three surfers in the under 18 girls final, Amelia, Ella and Olivia, who let rip and got some great waves. A notable mention goes to girls Longboard winner Alex who wowed the crowd with a smooth technique and classy cross step.

Next up it was the under 14 girls turn to take over the line up and it was super cool to see! First place went to Kapiti's Mia Ahern. With a great coach in her corner her first contest was a successful one. Olive and Paige were nipping at her heels coming in second and third places respectfully. Audry finished 4th equal with Abbi (surfing up a division) and Sophia surfed well placing fifth.

Under 12 Girls division was contested by Abbi Brough and Bear Donoghue. Abbi was charging and Bear styling, both scoring some fun rides right in front of family and friends supporting from the beach.

The under 14 boys showcased some new talent with the likes of stylish goofy foot Asher from Titahi Bay going wave for wave with Houghton Bay natural footer Zac. Asher was in sync with the waves and did enough for the win over Zac who impressed the audience with solid backside surfing. It was an action-packed battle.

The final of the under 21 Boys (aka University/Surf shop division) had a dramatic ending. Sitting in 4th priority and not yet able to find a quality left as he had successfully done in his semifinal, Otaki surfer Shea needed an excellent score if he was to have any chance of winning the final. Breaker Bay’ Eddie Hudson had taken an early lead showcasing consistent surfing which he accredited to his newly acquired cheeseburger diet. At the pointy end of the heat Eddie found himself in the lead with mere minutes to go. But the heat had another twist. There was still some life in the waning swell. A two-wave set thumped into the break wall, dramatised by the now stiff offshore wind. The 2 waves fused along the runway’s rock wall and loomed up wedging off the rocks as they met the low tide sand bank. It was local natural footer Stan who found himself with priority and he had a decision to make. He chose the first wave, held his nerve and wave executed three knifey turns. Stan got the score leapfrogging into first place. His time there was short lived, however, Jett was on the second set wave and it was slightly bigger. He, also connected 3 turns, flaring on his second turn in a critical section of the wave, then tapped the end section for a clutch finish, not surprisingly he was awarded a near excellent 7.83 score and with it the heat win! It was a fitting end to a memorable day.

A big thank you to the locals for supporting the juniors by sharing your waves, it was a great opportunity for them! Thank you to all the volunteers, parents, supporters and contestants. Most importantly thanks to all the sponsors who supported the event without you it simply wouldn't have happened

Article added: Monday 08 April 2024