Shaun Manners lets us know what time it is as he banks a section in the West. Photo by Surfing WA/WoolacoottThe event has been blessed with some of the best waves in Surfing WA history, combined with a winners list which includes; Dean Bowen, Soli Bailey, Creed McTaggart, Jack Robinson, and Jacob Willcox.
The Taj’s Small Fries Yallingup will run on the 17th, 18th and 19th of January 2014. Junior surfers can line up in the 16/U Boy’s, 16/U Girl’s, 14/U Boy’s, 14/U Girl’s, 12/U Boy’s and 12/U Girls’s divisions in the wave rich Yallingup region of South-West WA.
Tracks caught up with previous Taj’s Small Fries champion Shaun Manners ahead of competition.
Yallingup main break looking as pretty as a picture. Photo by Surfing WA/WoolacoottShaun how have the waves been over there?
The waves have been really fun lately, we’ve had some good swells which is not normal for summer. Hopefully the run of good surf continues for the small fries.
What does the Taj’s Small Fries competition mean to you?
I’ve been in the comp pretty much my whole surfing career. It’s a sick comp cause Taj is down there for it hanging out with the groms. And everyone is super stoked cause we always get surf for the event.
You’ve won the event previously does that give you confidence for this year?
Yeah for sure – it does. I know the waves really well around there and it feels like my home contest.
Your dad is a local shaper, how much has he influenced your surfing?
He’s influenced me a lot – in my life and in my surfing. He spends a lot of time on my boards and really tries to get them right. I’ve always looked up to him in the surf as he’s always been one of the best guys out there.
WA has produced some incredible surfers, who do you look up to?
I’ve always looked up to Yadin as one of my favorite surfers. As well as this of course Taj – he’s got 2nd in the world about 10 times! And Dino Adrian is a crazy charger who also rips in the small stuff.
Comp surfer of free surfer, do you have pipe dreams of making it on the World Tour?
I wanna be a comp surfer for sure – I want to try and make the world tour when I’m older. I want to concentrate on my competitive surfing, but as well as that have a lot of fun and make some cool clips/movies. I think you need to do both these days.
Describe the perfect session?
Five of my best mates out at Gas bay – pumping lefts and rights with a couple of photogs to capture it and everyone getting sick barrels!
Last form of grom abuse you received?
My board was taken up the top of this huge mountain at Margaret River rivermouth and I didn’t know where it was!
What are you plans for 2014, trips, clips or competitions?
All of them – Good results, a sick part in a movie and a few sick trips!!! HA
Anyone you’d like to thank?
I’d like to thank dad and mum. Billabong/VZ/Kustom/ Gorilla Grip/ FCS and dad again for my boards! Surfing WA for the event and everyone in the event. Let’s have a hell time.
