Mandurah grommet Maverick Wilson took full advantage of surfing his home break as he carved his way to a state championship at the second round of the Woolworths WA Junior Surfing Titles at Pyramids Beach over the weekend.
The rising star was outstanding on his way to an emphatic win in the under 12 micro groms division, cruising to a state title with a brilliant showing.
Proving he’s a star on the rise, Maverick surfed out of his skin posting a combined total of 14.40 (from a possible 20) to defeat Cruz Sheridan (Margaret River), Okie Fraser (Margaret River) and Ruby Berry (Augusta).
“I grew up surfing here at Pyramids, and even though this wasn’t the best weekend for waves I’m still stoked to be the state champion,” he said.
But Maverick wasn’t the only Mandurah surfer to shine on their home break.
April McPherson moved a step closer to claiming the under 18 girls state championship with a big win in her division.
Finding the two best waves on offer during the final, April posted a competitive combined total of 13.33 (from a possible 20) to take down South West trio Emma Cattlin (Yallingup), Arabelle Gibson (Margaret River) and Maddie Cawood (Margaret River).
The victory comes off the back of an injury-riddled 12 months for the young gun, making the win all the sweeter.
“It’s been a pretty rough 12 months for me,” April said.
“I’ve battled through a serious injury and to win here in my hometown is a truly special feeling.”
Macklin Flynn was also impressive across his time in the water, with the under 14s boys competitor winning the Air Asia “Air of the Day” award, putting him in the running to win a dream surf trip to Asia.
Macklin was also good enough to finish third in the under 16s cadets as well as second in the under 14s boys.
Fellow Mandurah mate Toby Jenkins wasn’t far behind Macklin in the under 14s, claiming third with a score of 10.10 while Yallingup’s Otis North took the win in the division.
All attentions now turn to the third and final event of the Woolworths WA Junior Surfing Titles, which will head north to Geraldton on July 14 and 15.
This event will decide the remaining state championship titles still up for grabs, as well as the final positions for the WA Junior Surfing Team, who will take on the best junior surfers in the country in South Australia in December.
