Rising stars shoot the curl to the nationals

Emerging Albany surfers Pemba Spargo and Evie Dupuy will set their sights on claiming a national shortboard title later this month after being named as part of the 25-strong WA Junior Surfing Team last week.

Pemba and Evie booked their places on the WA team after strong performances at the three-event State series.

The close friends are no strangers to national competition, having surfed at that level previously.

This year, the pair will compete in the under-18 junior girls’ category at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles, which start on November 28 in the Culburra Beach area, NSW.

Pemba, 15, last year earned a berth at the national titles after replacing Evie, who had to withdraw through injury, and this will be her third national event.

The Albany Senior High School student was hoping the experience gained last year would help her achieve better results this year.

“I’m more experienced now,” she said.

“Last year, I was 14 competing in the under-18s and now I’m a year older, up against the same girls. I am hopeful of a good result.

“I made the quarterfinals last year, so I’m keen to make the semis but anyone who goes dreams of making the final or possibly winning it.”

Evie and Pemba have been hitting surf breaks around the Great Southern for more than six years together, pushing each other with friendly competition.

Evie, 16, said it was a relief to be part of the WA team after an ankle injury ruined her hopes of competing last year. “I’ve been once before to nationals in under-16s,” she said. “My goal is to surf my best and if I do that, I’ll be happy with myself and hopefully that means making finals.”

The Great Southern Grammar student said adjusting quickly to the smaller surf conditions in NSW would be key to WA’s hopes of a successful competition.