Local teens Kyla Renes and Jackson Woolnough will be riding a wave of expectation when they paddle out at Redhead Beach for this weekend’s Lake Mac City Pro Junior.
The two 14-year-olds will take on some of the world’s best young surfers for the annual World Surf League contest, which will see almost 100 competitors aged 20 years and under surf in a range of age categories.
Kyla, who has been surfing competitively since she was 12, said the Lake Mac City Pro Junior was up there with the Australian Junior Titles as the biggest comp she’s entered so far in her career.
“It’s great to surf in a large event so close to home,” the Caves Beach local said.
“Hopefully the waves come my way.”
Jackson, who also hails from Caves Beach, won a wildcard entry into the contest earlier this month.
“My dad put me on a surfboard when I was about four and I haven’t been off one since,” he said.
“I’m stoked the comp is on in our local area. Visually, Redhead Beach is unique. I’d like to think it’s an advantage having the home crowd behind you, and also having a bit of a feel for how the beach breaks.”
The competition will kick off on Saturday morning, with the female finals starting at 2.20pm Sunday, and the male finals starting at 2.45pm.
Winners get $2000 in prizemoney, but even more importantly, points in the WSL Junior Qualifying Series, which could lead to major opportunities nationally and internationally.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said she was proud for the city to host the Pro Junior for a fourth time.
“We have such beautiful beaches here in Lake Mac, and it’s wonderful to be able to showcase them to the surfing world,” she said.
“Surfing is a huge part of our culture. It’s a way to connect with nature, stay fit, socialise, and at the highest level, rub shoulders with top athletes from across the globe.”
“Best of luck to all the competitors this weekend, and fingers crossed our top young male and female surfers can take out the titles.”
