Talent wave creates buzz

Western Australia’s biggest junior surfing event, Taj’s Small Fries, will celebrate its 14th competition next week in Yallingup.

Launching Surfing Western Australia’s competition program for 2019, Taj’s Small Fries will see boys and girls line up in seven divisions including 16-and-under, 14-and-under, 12-and-under, and Taj’s favourite 10-and-under.

The former World Surf League competitor Burrow said he was “buzzing with anticipation” to see a group of Australia’s best junior surfing talent surf the same waves he grew up with.

“It’s a blur of great waves, good times and outstanding performances, I can’t believe how lucky we’ve been for this event over the years,” Burrow said.

“Fourteen years is crazy, it’s gone really fast.

“Each year I look forward to seeing the new talent that’s coming through, who’s been ripping, who’s stepping it up and, of course, the rivalries between the local WA crew and the east coast and international surfers who come to Yallingup to compete.”

Since its inception in 2006, Taj’s Small Fries has become a rite of passage for many of the country’s best young surfers and has become the launch pad for many aspiring surfing professionals.

And 2019 will be no different, with competitors from WA, NSW, Queensland and SA with some Indonesian surfers also competing.

City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said the City was proud to sponsor the event.

“Taj Burrow’s Small Fries event is integral in developing young talent and enabling local kids to mix it with some of the best young champions in what can only be described as a world-class surfing arena,” he said.

“The City is proud to sponsor the event and I wish everyone involved the very best.”

The event is supported by the City of Busselton and Flight Centre.

More pictures: