Teen to compete in international meet

Dunsborough surfer Jack Thomas will take on some of the world’s best at the International Surfing Association’s World Junior Championships in Japan next week-end.

The 17-year-old was among 10 surfers selected to compete in the junior Australian team after being named the under-18 national boys’ champion at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles at Phillip Island last year. Since taking up surfing at the age of 10, Thomas has delivered several impressive performances at both State and national level, but said his biggest win was taking out the 16-and-under boys final at the 2015 Rip Curl GromSearch.

Thomas now has his sights set on the junior world title.

“Every wave is different and when there is wild onshore winds and the waves are breaking everywhere that’s the biggest challenge,” he said.

“But being a part of the Australian team is a big honour. I’m looking forward to being there with all the team and being somewhere different.”

The competition consists of nine heats over a 12-day period and will take place in Hyuga, Japan from September 23 to October 1.

Thomas thanked the Yallingup Boardriders, his trainer Katie Carmichael and his sponsors Xcel Wetsuits, Chilli Surfboards, Creatures of Leisure and Board Store for their support.