THIRTY SIX local surfers showcased stellar performances last weekend in the NSW Junior Regional Series at Sawtell, with seventeen progressing towards the 2024 NSW State Titles set to be held on the Coffs Coast in July this year.

Dan Heather, Surfing NSW’s North Coast Regional Director, shared insights into how the competition unfolded.

“We had a great day at Sawtell on Saturday with the NSW Junior Regional Series,” he said.

“The rain stayed away, we had great two-to-three foot clean conditions which was perfect for the competition, providing some nice waves for the younger age divisions, but also some stronger waves for the older or more advanced surfers.

“It’s fantastic to see the quality of surfing here at Sawtell across all age divisions.”

Heather emphasised the important role regional events provide to juniors with aspirations to excel in the sport.

“The NSW Regional Series is such an important event for surfers wishing to advance into professional surfing.

“Only a certain number of spots from each age division will progress through to the 2024 NSW State Titles Junior Surf Series and from there it’s a pathway to the 2024 Australian Junior Titles.

“For our region’s junior surfers (under 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s Boys and Girls) aspiring to become a State or National Champion, the journey commences with these regional events.

“There are eleven regional events scheduled to take place between March and May of 2024.

“The NSW Junior Regional Titles are supported by Surfing NSW and Ocean and Earth, and are conducted within each region,” Heather said.

Below is a summary of the regional athletes that progressed to the next round.

Under 12 boys – Sage Lewis, River Griggs

Under 12 Girls – Sage White

Under 14 boys – Jarrah White, Sandon Vowels

Under 14 Girls – Mali Adam

Under 16 boys – Rio Luther Barr, Joey Silk, Carter Crowley, Fletcher O’Sullivan

Under 16 Girls – Avalon Vowels, Gracie Kennedy

Under 18 boys – CJ Carter, Jack Morrison, Sam Hudson

Under 18 Girls – Teal Haigh, Sasha Lewis.

By David WIGLEY