Day one of the 2019 Hydralyte Sports QLD Pro Junior presented by Hyundai has wrapped up after a huge day of competition. Main Beach was the location of choice today, which provided solid 4-5ft left-handers along with moderate south-easterly winds and beautiful sunny weather.
Beautiful North Stradbroke Island - WSL / Ben Stagg
Gold Coast local and last year's event winner Kai Tandler tore apart the left-
handers on offer, putting together a 7.75 (out of a possible 10.00) combined with a 4.90 for a total heat score of 12.65 (out of a possible 20). Tandler defeated Ben Duncan, Harry Phillips and Thomas Thatcher respectively.
"It's sick to be back at the Hydralyte Sports Pro Junior again," said Tandler. "It's always great to have an event like this so close to home, I won this event last year no the Goldy so I'm feeling confident for this one. These events are so important, there's potential to skip a few years on the QS. I just missed out on qualifying for the World Juniors last year, so I'm hoping this year I can do a bit better and take the series out."
Kai Tandler ripping into a Main Beach left. - WSL / Ben Stagg
The women's round 1 and quarter-finals were also run today. Top names progressing to the semi-finals tomorrow include Molly Picklum, Carly Shanahan, Nyxie Ryan, Raya Campbell, Holly Williams, Piper Harrison, Pacha Light and Ellia Smith.
Holly Williams is enjoying the event. "It was pretty fun out there today," said Williams. " I do like this event. I'm looking forward to doing the Pro Juniors this year and hopefully a few of the QS's If I can."
Sasha Baker. - WSL / Ben Stagg
Raya Campbell was stoked to make it through to the semi-finals. "That heat was a bit slow to start with," said Campbell. "I just kept my patience and was able to get a good wave towards the end. The wave stood up the whole wave, and I felt good on my board - it all came together. I'm pretty excited for this year, I'm doing a few comps I haven't really been doing, I'm going to be working a lot on my surfing."
Kelly O'Callaghan. - WSL / Ben Stagg
Sunshine Coast's Alister Reginato was another standout in today's competition, defeating Zane Assink, Kelly Parker and Jonah McDonald respectively.
"It was a pretty slow heat, I only surfed three waves," said Reginato. "It was still fun though - I just had to wait for the good ones to come through."
Mikey McDonagh. - WSL / Ben Stagg
Caleb Tancred scored one of the highest total heat scores of the day with 15.65, defeating Micah Margieson, Connor Lee and Archer Curtis respectively.
North Straddie Turns On For Opening Day Of Competition
WSL
Day one of the 2019 Hydralyte Sports QLD Pro Junior presented by Hyundai has wrapped up after a huge day of competition. Main Beach was the location of choice today, which provided solid 4-5ft left-handers along with moderate south-easterly winds and beautiful sunny weather.
Gold Coast local and last year's event winner Kai Tandler tore apart the left- handers on offer, putting together a 7.75 (out of a possible 10.00) combined with a 4.90 for a total heat score of 12.65 (out of a possible 20). Tandler defeated Ben Duncan, Harry Phillips and Thomas Thatcher respectively.
"It's sick to be back at the Hydralyte Sports Pro Junior again," said Tandler. "It's always great to have an event like this so close to home, I won this event last year no the Goldy so I'm feeling confident for this one. These events are so important, there's potential to skip a few years on the QS. I just missed out on qualifying for the World Juniors last year, so I'm hoping this year I can do a bit better and take the series out."
The women's round 1 and quarter-finals were also run today. Top names progressing to the semi-finals tomorrow include Molly Picklum, Carly Shanahan, Nyxie Ryan, Raya Campbell, Holly Williams, Piper Harrison, Pacha Light and Ellia Smith.
Holly Williams is enjoying the event. "It was pretty fun out there today," said Williams. " I do like this event. I'm looking forward to doing the Pro Juniors this year and hopefully a few of the QS's If I can."
Raya Campbell was stoked to make it through to the semi-finals. "That heat was a bit slow to start with," said Campbell. "I just kept my patience and was able to get a good wave towards the end. The wave stood up the whole wave, and I felt good on my board - it all came together. I'm pretty excited for this year, I'm doing a few comps I haven't really been doing, I'm going to be working a lot on my surfing."
Sunshine Coast's Alister Reginato was another standout in today's competition, defeating Zane Assink, Kelly Parker and Jonah McDonald respectively.
"It was a pretty slow heat, I only surfed three waves," said Reginato. "It was still fun though - I just had to wait for the good ones to come through."
Caleb Tancred scored one of the highest total heat scores of the day with 15.65, defeating Micah Margieson, Connor Lee and Archer Curtis respectively.
Hydralyte Sports QLD Pro Junior
Molly Picklum and Xavier Huxtable for the win on North Straddie
Both surfers claim their first WSL wins on the picturesque North Stradbroke Island.
North Stradbroke Island Lights Up
The Opening Junior Qualifying Series event of 2019, The Hydralyte Sports QLD Pro Junior is ready to commence in pumping surf this weekend.
Australia's top juniors will head to North Stradbroke Island in Queensland for the opening event of the seasons, the Hydralyte Sports QLD
News
Jett Schilling's event-winning 9.73, plus a 9.50 in the Semifinals, another 9 from Taro Watanabe and explosive surfing from local hero
Jett Schilling Soars in Comeback Fashion to Claim QS 1000 Victory in Pumping Conditions
With Taro Watanabe pushing Jett Schilling to a 9.53 requirement, Schilling took to the air for a massive alley-oop and scored a 9.73 to
Soleil Errico teamed up with Traveller Surf Club (@traveller_surf_club) to host an invitational pro coaching workshop for the young rising
Taro Watanabe bagged himself two separate 9-point rides before Jett Schilling posted a 9.93 in the final heat of the Round of 16 to add