Margaret River’s Willow Hardy claims women’s gong at Peel Pro Junior surf contest at Avalon Point

Willow Hardy was back to her best in a ripping performance to take out the weekend’s Peel Pro Junior.

The World Surf League-endorsed competition at Avalon Point near Mandurah saw dozens of the country’s best up-and-comers vying for title rights as a career boost onto the professional circuit.

But Hardy and Gold Coast surfer Marlon Harrison set the waves ablaze to take the top female and male posts.

While surfers generally enjoyed clean 3-4 foot waves at Avalon Point, scarce conditions made for low scores.

The second-last event of the WSL’s Australia-Oceania Junior Series saw numerous Capes junior stars under pressure.

In the women’s final, Hardy captured victory ahead of fellow West Australian Isi Campbell from Denmark in a wave-starved 30 minute match-up.

It again came down to Hardy’s experience with wave selection and critical manoeuvres to snatch a winning total of 9.00 (from a possible 20), edging out Campbell’s score of 6.50.

Hardy’s win is her first on the WSL Pro Junior Series, moving her to fifth place on the rankings and solidifying her position as force to be reckoned with leading into the Qualifying Series Cape Naturaliste Pro which started as the Times went to press.

Hardy said she was glad for the victory despite taking down one of her closest friends.

“Isi is one of my best friends so it’s always nice to share a final with her,” Hardy said.

“I came into the event with no pressure really.

“I haven’t competed in a Pro Junior event this year, with my focus on the Qualifying Series and hopefully making the Challenger Series next year.

“I really love surfing here at Avalon and I couldn’t be happier right now.”

Campbell was also unfazed by coming in second best, with the Peel Pro leading into this weekend’s QS event at Yallingup.