Local surfing siblings Harry and April McPherson will be looking to make waves when they take to the water to compete in the second annual Mandurah Pro this weekend.
The two rising stars were both named as local wildcard selections for the event last week, after both were nominated by the Mandurah Boardriders Club following impressive performances at local, state and national level over the past 12 months.
The duo will now have the opportunity to compete on home soil against some of the very best surfers from across the Australia/Oceania region, with competitors from nine separate nations set to line up for the opening event of the Western Australian Pro Surf Series for 2019.
The 18-year old April has had an outstanding year, claiming back-to-back open women's state championships and finishing second behind Mia McCarthy at the Drug Aware WA Trials, the precursor to the WSL Margaret River Pro.
"I'm really excited, it's an unbelievable opportunity to be named the Mandurah Pro women's wildcard," she said.
"I didn't surf very well in last year's event and I'm looking forward to redeeming myself this year. I've been training really hard and surfing as much as possible in preparation.
"To have my brother Harry competing in the same event gives me great confidence as he's always coached and supported me through my big events."
Harry, 23, had a phenomenal junior career that saw him represent WA on multiple occasions and although not surfing competitively quite as much as he used to, is still one of Mandurah's finest performers when the swells get big.
"I'm stoked to be awarded the Mandurah Pro wildcard, a big thanks to Surfing WA, City of Mandurah and of course the Mandurah Boardriders for the opportunity and for making this all happen," he said.
"Mandurah has some great waves and it'll be good to see surfers from across the planet heading to our hometown to compete.
"It'll be awesome surfing alongside my sister April and flying the flag for Mandurah in front of all our family and friends."
Mandurah Boardriders president Simon Wroth was wrapped to see the siblings get their chance to compete in a World Surfing League event.
"Both Harry and April are amazing surfers and we're really grateful to Surfing WA for this opportunity to include local talent in this internationally rated event," Wroth said.
"Harry is our 2019 Club Champion and April has been setting the bar for girls in the area for many years.
"The Mandurah Pro is a brilliant opportunity for the new generation of Mandurah surfers coming through the grassroots levels."
The first event of the WA Pro Surf Series, the Mandurah Pro, will kick off on October 19 with a four-day event window spanning through to October 22.
For more information visit surfingwa.com.au or WorldSurfLeague.com for live results.
