Peel Pro Junior: Australia's best young surfers to compete in Mandurah surf comp

The Peel Pro Junior kicks off in Mandurah this weekend, with Australia's best young surfers competing for a spot in the World Surf League Junior Championships.

The three-day competition from October 12 to 14 will be held at Avalon Beach and is one of the final events of the World Surf League Asia Pacific region.

Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks said local surfers will have a chance to compete against some of the best talent in Australia.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for West Australian surfers to compete in their home state against top-level opposition. We're eager to showcase WA's incredible waves and the unique charm of our coastal communities through these events," he said.

The Peel Pro Junior boasts an impressive lineup of surfers from across Australia, with Lennix Smith (Barrick Point, NSW) and Jalhy Stokes (Sunshine Coast, QLD) headlining the field.

A raft of talented Western Australian surfers will also be competing like Willow Hardy (Margaret River, WA) her younger sister Olive Hardy, as well Ruby Berry (Margaret River, WA).

In the men’s division, WA’s Under-18 State Champion Okie Fraser (Margaret River, WA) will be out to prove a point alongside Macklin Flynn (Cowaramup, WA), Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough, WA) and the Peel region’s own Jack Bulloch (Secret Harbour, WA).

Tom Moody (Mandurah, WA) and Ella Ginby (Mandurah, WA) have been awarded local wildcard positions into the event and will be competing in their maiden WSL Pro Junior thanks to the support of the Mandurah Boardriders Club.

"We're absolutely stoked to see a professional surfing event like the WSL Peel Pro Junior coming to Mandurah this weekend. It’s an incredible opportunity for our local community and our young surfers to witness world-class competition right here at home,” said Mandurah Boardriders Club President Simon Wroth.

“We're especially proud that two of our own, Tom Moody and Ella Ginby, who compete as wildcards in the event. This is a huge achievement for them and everyone at the Mandurah Board Riders is behind them. It’s events like these that inspire the next generation of young surfers, and we couldn’t be more excited for what this means for our region.”

Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams welcomed local, interstate and international competitors back to Mandurah for this year’s event.

“Mandurah is proud to have an enthusiastic surf community, and we are excited to have the Peel Pro Junior back to our beaches in 2024,” Mayor Williams said. “Best of luck to all involved, and we hope you take the chance to enjoy everything Mandurah has to offer while you are here.”

The forecast suggests a tricky start to the event, with waves expected to be in the one-to-two-foot range on Saturday.