South West talents Okie Fraser and Ruby Berry shine at Margaret River’s WA Surf Masters Championship

Home ground advantage and tonnes of talent helped elevate local surfers at the WA Surf Masters Championships held at Gas Bay at the weekend.

High school students Okie Fraser and Ruby Berry claimed the open men and women’s divisions, while Dunsborough’s Maverick Wilson came out on top in the prized under-21 pro junior section.

Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks told the Times the contest was “spectacular”.

“Over three unforgettable days, competitors battled through a thrilling mix of conditions,” he said.

“Wet, wild and windy weather made way for glassy perfection, with 11 State champions emerging victorious in pumping surf at Gas Bay.”

Fraser’s triumph not only earned him his first open men’s State title but also a golden ticket to the WA trials, where he’ll surf for a wildcard entry to the World Surf League’s Margaret River Pro in May.

Berry was also lauded by the judges for her weekend performance which will also improve her chances for the Pro, competing for a spot in the trials just as she did last year against Bronte Macaulay.

“I’m excited to get back into the trials and hopefully I can make it into the Pro this year,” the young surfer said.

The forecast looked good for Berry, who was also the reigning under-18 girls State champion.

Capes surfers scored in other divisions too.

Yallingup Boardriders president Zak Ogram beat bestie Ash Farrow in the over-30 men’s competition ahead of Jarrad Davies and fellow Dunsborough-ite Sean Scanlon.

Shae Sheridan, also from Dunsborough, claimed the over-30s women’s victory.

Margaret River veteran Andrew Sheridan won the over-40s men, while Busselton’s Belinda Adams soared ahead of Sheridan in the over-40s women.

Dunsborough’s Warren Boyes sneaked ahead in the over-50s men.

Fraser also claimed the Wave of the Weekend award for the highest score of the event, 9.40 out of 10 in the open men’s semifinal.

Champions surfers have the chance to represent WA at the Australian Shortboard Titles in Wollongong, NSW, in August.