Record number of grommets get ready to hit the surf for Junior Wavefest

A record number of Great Southern grommets are gearing up to hit the surf for the Junior Wavefest this weekend.

Albany Boardriders’ annual Junior Wavefest surfing competition is set to go full steam ahead at an Albany beach this Saturday.

More than 40 grommets will be paddling out in the under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-18 divisions, as well as the push-in category.

Albany Boardriders president David Beeck said there was a record number of entries in this year’s competition.

“The record number of entries was for under-16 boys,” he said.

“So that requires three heats, two semifinals and one final. It’s gonna take at least eight hours to run all of the heats.”

Junior surfers from Walpole right across to Bremer Bay will be putting their best skills on display for the chance to win a Rip Curl wetsuit.

The competition is expected to take place at either Mutton Bird or Nanarup Beach, depending on weather conditions.

“It’s a good size swell for Saturday and offshore winds, so that’s all we could hope for,” Mr Beeck said.

“It’s a different sort of season this year — autumn has been a bit late coming as there’s still a bit of a summer pattern with the easterly.

“But we’ve got a good break on Saturday.”

The under-16 boys’ heat will start at 7.30am on Saturday, and the beach announcement will be made on Friday afternoon.