Teens eye titles

The next Taj Burrow could be among a group of Yallingup grommets competing in the Australian Junior Surfing Titles next month.

The band of gnarly upstarts is competing in the national competition in Nubeena, Tasmania, from December 1 to December 8.

Fifteen-year-old Boston Kavanagh said he was itching to head east and prove himself against Australia’s best young surfers.

“I’m looking forward to going over there with my friends and surfing in a new place,” he said.

“The water’s going to be freezing cold apparently, so I’ll have to wear an extra thick wetsuit.”

Boston has been surfing since he was six and recently won the last round of the Yallingup Boardriders competition in the under-16s category.

Another young wave rider cutting his teeth on the national stage is 13-year-old Kael Walsh, who has been surfing for the past six years.

Kael said he was looking forward to going to Tasmania and would give it his best.

“I just like the friendships you make from surfing, the culture and the sense of freedom you get when you’re out there catching waves,” he said.

Kael’s mum Melissa Walsh said all the kids had worked hard to make it to the Australian Junior Surfing Titles.

“To get to this level they’ve had to spend 15 to 20 hours a week in the water,” she said.

“They’ve got a strong team this year, including kids from Margaret River and a school team from Margaret River High School. We’re optimistic about making it into several finals.”