Rising Denmark surfing star Isi Campbell claims 14-and-under girls final at Taj’s Small Fries

A Denmark young gun has scored victory at one of WA’s major surf events, named after the State’s most successful surfer Taj Burrow. Rising teenager Isi Campbell was among the winners at the 16th edition of the Taj’s Small Fries event that wrapped up in Yallingup on Sunday. After winning the 12-and-under girls final in 2019 and making two finals in 2020, Campbell stepped up to claim the 14-and-under girls final. Campbell, who recently won a title in the Australian Junior Online Surf Championships, also reached the 16-and-under girls final at the popular WA competition. In the 14-and-under final, Campbell showed strong forehand manoeuvres on her way to scoring 14.4 to defeat Augusta’s Ruby Berry (12.9) and Margaret River duo Kaleisha Launders (12.05) and Olive Hardy (8.5). Campbell went head-to-head with Margaret River’s Zali Hewson in a thrilling battle of the 16s. The Denmark product posted a competitive two-wave score of 13.65 but wasn’t able to down Hewson, who picked the best two waves of the final and performed strongly to score a heat high of 8.75 followed by 7.1 to finish on 15.85 and claim the title. The 13-year-old Campbell said she was pleased with her results. “I love Taj’s Small Fries and this has to be one of the best ones ever,” Campbell said. “To make two finals and win one is something I’m proud of and thanks to my parents for everything they do.”