The Illawarra's top junior surfers have taken to Sharkies beach in Coledale to battle it out at the Illawarra Junior Regional Surfing Titles.
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Mannix Greentree-Squiers was among the top performers, with the 12-year-old taking out the under 14 boys competition. Greentree-Squiers finished ahead of Jai Robson and Joshua Marsh, who were second and third respectively.
For Greentree-Squiers, the victory was the reward for lots of hard work and time spent in the water.
"It was pretty good to win," Greentree-Squiers said. "I haven't surfed at that spot too much, so it was cool to surf there with not too many people out and I'm stoked to get the win.
"I definitely thought I would be up there, but there were a couple of tough competitors, we're all friends, so I'm stoked and happy to come away with the win."
Overall, the event was a high-quality competition, with all surfers taking to the conditions nicely. The under 18 boys event was won by Will Clarke, with Darci Air claiming the girls final.
In the under 16s, it was Oceanna Rogers who took out the girls event, with Anna Chamberlain and Zara Ginn rounding out the podium. Lennix Smith won the under 16 boys final, ahead of Taj Simon and Max Dignam. Smith was also awarded the Michael Lowe Award of Excellence for the second-straight year.
Jada Thomas took out the under 14 girls final, defeating sisters Shyla and Zahlia Short. The under 12s rounded out the competition, with Taj Air winning the boys event and Kiona Short victorious in the girls competition.
The championships also acted as a qualifier for July's NSW Championships, with the top performers in each division set to progress to their respective state competitions.
Greentree-Squiers comes from impressive surfing pedigree, with his father well-known local surfer Nick Squiers. Despite his young age, Greentree-Squiers is hopeful he can follow in his father's footsteps and one day compete on the international stage.
For now, however, the goal is to perform well at the state championships and qualify for December's Australian Junior Titles.
"It's super cool that my dad is a great surfer. He's also a surf coach and he surfs with me and helps me out in the water.
"I'm excited to compete at state, I'll try my best and hopefully get a good result there and move forward to the Aussie Titles."
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