Rising surf star seeks to defend Wavefest title

Rising WA surfing star Emi Campbell will headline a strong field of entrants for the Telstra Store Albany 2016 Wavefest which will be held this weekend and features the highly anticipated men’s and women’s open divisions.

Campbell, a former Denmark resident, won a shortboard national title back in 2013 as a 15-year-old and has risen quickly to become one of the best female talents in the sport.

In recent years Campbell, who now lives in Margaret River, has dominated the women’s open division, winning the past four titles and will return to the region this weekend as she chases a fifth consecutive triumph.

The 18-year-old will not have it easy, however, with a group of young Albany surfers champing at the bit to knock off the defending champion.

The Albany teenage contingent consists of Pemba Spargo and Evie Dupuy, who both competed at national level last year, along with Holly Minter and Lily Shepherd.

All four loom as large threats to Campbell’s chances of a fifth straight win in the event.

Defending men’s open winner Kirran Shepherd was as of yesterday undecided if he will compete this weekend and 2014 champion Ben Rufus was also yet to enter prior to last night’s nomination cut-off.

Four-time winner Paul Dupuy looms as a strong chance in the men’s open division along with veteran surfer and local high-performance coach Adrian Shepherd while Dave Beeck who reached the men’s open final last year will be aiming at improving on his fourth placing.

Karl Beadham, a six-time champion, is unlikely to contest the 2016 edition.

The event is run by Albany Boardriders and divisions include open men, open women, over-21 women, over-35 women, over-35 men, over-45 men, over-50 men and over-60 men.

The men’s open winner will receive $1000 in prize money and the women’s open prize is $500.

Albany Boardriders president Darryn Oostdam said conditions were going to test local surfers over the weekend.

“We are still undecided on a location,” he said.

“It’s going to be pretty rough conditions, plenty of swell and lots of wind.

“But it’s definitely going to be a fun event and a fair few people are getting in on it.”

The competition has introduced a new division this year, the over-35 women which is expected to attract plenty of entrants.

The format will see heats and then finals contested across Saturday and Sunday with Monday used if needed.

Oostdam said Mutton Bird Beach and Parrys Beach were two possible locations but a decision will be made later in the week and posted on the club’s website and Facebook page.

Presentations will follow at the Albany Boatshed after the completion of the event.