The Powerade Junior Pro presented by Cloudbreak was a big success with international and Fijian junior surfers going head- to-head. Surf conditions were very challenging but the junior surfers handled it well and displayed some awesome skills.

Australian surfers showed right from the start that they were serious about claiming victory as did the strong Vanuatu team displaying a lot of flair and control. New Zealand was well represented and handled the tough conditions with ease.  It was exciting to see a number of locals performing at their best and not be intimidated by the internationals.

In the 16 and under girls Australian Holly Williams held off a late challenge from New Zealander Kea Smith (2nd) and Fijians Keisha Wakeham (3rd), Linieta Bokadi (4th). The girls showed plenty of determination and skill with all competitors scoring high points.  Holly then backed up her victory in the 16s by claiming the 18 and under girls ahead of Vanuatu’s Serah John 2nd and Fijian Filo Ann (3rd). Each of the finalists put plenty of power into their performance demonstrating some exciting rides.

In the 16 and under boys Australian Sam Williams took 1st ahead of Vanuatu’s Roger Taleo 3rd, with Samoan’s Chris Martin 3rd and brother Palei Martin 4th. There was some big turns shown by all four finalists with Williams claiming a 10 out of 10 for an excellent barrel ride.  Sam, like his sister, backed up the 16’s win by winning on a count back from Vanuatu’s Jesso Talotiti (2nd), Fijian Jimmy Tomeru (3rd) and Samoan Palei Martin (4th).

Local Jimmy Tomeru surfed extremely well and was unfortunate not to be placed higher. Jimmy who claimed this year’s PBS Suva Lighthouse junior event is developing into an exciting prospect for surfing in Fiji. John Vasea Rae and Kalani Wakeham showed good skill to make the semi finals and came very close to making the finals.  The Fijian girls weren’t to be outdone by their male counterparts. Keisha Wakeham, Kayla Wakeham and Linieta Bokadi had some impressive rides and showed plenty of control and courage in the tough conditions. They are definitely some junior surfers to watch in the future.

The FIT College in conjunction with Pivot Point Fiji and the Ocean Performance Centre provided an amazing prize of a trip for two under 16 surfers to Queensland. John Vasea Rae and Kesha Wakeham finished highest placed Fijians and will travel to Queensland in early December to train for 7 days in the Ocean Performance Centre. The OPC has an excellent stable of National and International results. Last year Jimmy Tomeru attended the OPC and his performances since then have shown a massive improvement.  Also attending with the two surfers is Fijian coach Inia Nakalevu. Inia will be mentored buy some of Australia’s leading surf coaches which will then be utilised here in Fiji.

A special mention to the local community at Sigatoka Sand Dunes and Kulukulu for welcoming the FSA into their region it was a pleasure working with you.  A big thanks to all our sponsors Coca-Cola, Fiji National Sporting Commission, Cloudbreak, Fit College, Pivot Point, OPC, Fiji Surf Co and McDonald’s.

The “Girls Go Surfing Day is on September 24th at Natadola. Entries and flyers are just being circulated so watch out for these and come along and have a fun day in the surf.

If anyone would like to receive further information, book in to a course/programme or voice your concern email info@surfingfiji.com.fj

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj