WA’s premier junior surfing event Taj’s Small Fries enters 20th year of competition in Yallingup

Picturesque Yallingup Beach will play host to WA’s premier junior surfing event for the 20th time this week, with about 200 of Australasia’s best young surfers waxing their boards to compete in Taj’s Small Fries.

Hosted by former tour surfer Taj Burrow in his home town, the event starts on Thursday and will run through to Sunday, with surfers expected from around the State and country to compete.

Olympic silver medallist Jack Robinson, his fellow Margaret River product Jacob Willcox and Gracetown’s Bronte Macaulay are some of the WA talent, which have gone on to achieve big things on the world stage after surfing in the event as juniors.

More than just bragging rights will be up for grabs at the event, which is the first in Surfing WA’s 2025 competition schedule while doubling as the opening marquee event in the Australian Junior Series.

Having first run the event in 2006, Burrow said he “can’t believe how far we’ve come” in 20 years.

“It’s incredible to see how this event has evolved and grown, and I’m so proud to be part of something that continues to inspire young surfers year after year,” he said.

“This year, we’re expecting close (to) 200 groms, and I can’t wait to see the talent on display.”

Reigning under-16 girls national champion Olive Hardy, who calls Margaret River home, has been competing in Taj’s Small Fries since she was eight years old.

Olive, who will move up an age group to compete in the under-18 girls for the first time this year, said it was “one of” her favourite events of the year.

“I can’t wait,” she said.

“It’s cool to have so many east coasters coming over and I really want to use this event to start building towards my first ever ISA World Junior Championships later this year.”

Surfing WA event manager Justin Majeks said this year’s Taj’s Small Fries was “shaping up to be our biggest and best yet”.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for WA’s junior surfers to compete at the highest level on their home turf, and we can’t wait to see what this year brings,” he said.