Junior battle will be Wavefest highlight

The 2017 Wavefest will be headlined by a strong junior contingent in the women’s open division this weekend in Albany.

Former national shortboard champion Emi Campbell, originally from Denmark, will return to try to win her sixth straight title and will be flanked by up-and-coming local talents Evie Dupuy, Holly Minter and Pemba Spargo.

Competition organiser Ian Minter said this year’s event was a momentous occasion as it marked 20 years since the region’s premier surfing event kicked off. “We’re really stoked to host the 20th Wave- fest,” he said.

“It’s great for the local surfing community to keep this event running for such a long period.

“While it is competition, it’s all about the local community getting together.”

In the open men’s division, last year’s winner Lachy Ross will not be competing, but four-time winner and 2016 runner-up Paul Dupuy will be a strong chance for the title.

Other past winners competing in the men’s open division include Adrian Shepherd, Paul Tarbotton and Reiss Hunt, who is travelling from the east coast. A decision will be made tomorrow regarding a location and timeframe for the event and Minter said there was a sense of excitement around the competition.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing old and new faces competing,” he said.

Other categories to be contested at the Albany Boardriders-run event include over-30 women, over-35 men, over-45 men and over-55 men. Winners of the open men’s and women’s events will receive $1000 cash.

Entries are open until 2pm today and can be made via the Albany Boardriders website albanysurf. com.