New wave of talent to be tested at junior competition

Strong fields are expected to carve up the local waves this weekend in the annual Junior Wavefest, a highlight for young surfers in the region.

A recent decision to separate the juniors and seniors into separate Wavefest weekends has proved popular and Albany Boardriders is expecting more than 30 surfers to take part in the 2019 event.

Albany Boardriders president Peter Bolt said the next wave of up-and-coming surfers would be out to impress.

“We have a good gathering of crew from Denmark and Albany and a few from Bremer Bay and Walpole,” Bolt said.

“It has become pretty popular since we separated the Junior Wavefest into its own event.

“This year, a few of our older girls, who have been successful in State rounds, have moved on to the open Wavefest, so there is a chance for the next wave coming through.”

Bolt said nominations were still open, with age divisions including under-10, under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-18 boys and girls plus push-in and rookie.

Organisers expect to run the entire program on Saturday and with forecast conditions, the most likely location appears to be Muttonbird.

This event is a great lead-up for the Albany Boardriders into the senior Wavefest later this year.