A tight arc pocket jam from Narrabeen’s Jordan Lawler. PIc: Renee Miller / Surfing NSW
COFFS HARBOUR (Friday 27th July, 2012): Crowned on Park Beach, Coffs Harbour today as NSW Junior Champions, Jordan Lawler (U18’s) and Kalani Ball (U16’s) won the close finals and will head to the Australian Titles as part of TEAM NSW.
Lawler (Narrabeen) found himself in a talent-stacked final that was bound to be a show stopper from the hooter. Matt King (Ulladulla), was coming off the back of a win early in the week as the Schools under 18s champion and south coast surfers Louis Gillick and Teague Robinson had been in form all week.
The lead was in everyones grasp as the boys scratched for the rare sets that came through in the final. The drop in swell (3 foot) proved a challenge, but as the states best juniors, these were the surfers bound to have the best crack at it.
“Everyone is surfing so good in the 18’s let alone the whole contest, I was super nervous at the start to come up against Matt King, Louis Gillick and Teague Robinson, it’s just amazing”, said Lawler
“It was kind of fat but the odd one would come through and it was super fun, the semis I needed a 7 and I went over there and got a couple of sick ones, so I thought I would start there again and see how I go”.
“I ended up getting a couple of starters and I’m stoked. I’m here with my dad who came up for a little trip and now I get to go to aussies, its such a good vibe going away with everyone and travel in one big team”, said Lawler.
Lawler will go to the Australian Titles in Tasmania along with Louis Cillick who came a very close second (less than a point between them), King and Robinson will also make the journey to Tasmania in December.
Kalani Ball from Stanwell Park shows great style finshing a rdie. Pic: Renee Miller / Surfing NSW
Kalani Ball (Stanwell Park) was busy in the under 16 final catching the maximum ten waves permitted, along with Sheldon Simkus (Tweed Heads) and Monty Tait (Maroubra) who also devoured the waves at every chance.
Chris Zaffis (Angourie), had a selective approached and nailed a couple of higher scores early, but Ball overtook when he caught a nice looking right hander and shot his way to first. The 7.00 wave was enough to solidify the win and Ball is the 2012 NSW Junior champion for he under 16’s.
All four finalists qualify for the Australian Titles as part of TEAM NSW, awaiting their fate is the under 16 and under 18 girls who started their campaign in the afternoon at Park Beach.
Event schedule is subject to change at all times, please call the Event Hotline 0458 247 212 after 7:00am each day of event for confirmed daily running schedule and contest venue.
Competitors and families are welcomed to the Hoey Moey each night where great deals on meals and entertainment are had by all. The event is proudly supported by the Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour City Council, Coffs Harbour Tourism, VESTAL watches, Vertra Sunscreen and Surfing NSW.
