The opportunity to claim a national title will drive the Illawarra's top junior surfers when they head to Perth for next week's Australian Junior Surfing Titles.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The region's youngsters will contest both individual and teams events, with the Illawarra Sports High's junior boys and junior girls teams hoping to replicate the success of Bulli High School at last year's competition in South Australia.
That pairing of Kasey Hargreaves and Darci Air won the senior girls schools competition and Illawarra Sports High coach Geoff Latimer said his athletes are determined to ensure a national title remains in the region.
"We've got a pretty unique opportunity with the schools event to take out Aussie titles in both the junior boys and junior girls competitions," Latimer said.
"With Zahlia Short and Bodhi Simon in the girls and Lennix Smith and Taj Simon in the boys, we can potentially bring home two national titles."
A host of athletes will also be in action in the individual events, with Taj Simon, Short and Smith on double duty, as well as Jai Robson, Hargreaves, Charli Hurst and Fin McLaren.
Latimer said the goal for his athletes will be to progress to the finals, and then once there, anything can happen.
"The calibre of surfing in the Illawarra is top notch. They've done the work, this is an opportunity to have a crack to be in and around the mix at the end of the event.
"For Lennix and Taj, if they make the final, it puts them in the mix to qualify for the ISA World Games and put themselves on the international stage."
The competition, which kicks off on Sunday, will take place in Margaret River, with the juniors to surf the same waves as the world's best at the annual World Surf League competition.
With the break famous for near-perfect conditions, Latimer said his athletes are all excited by the prospect of surfing at the famed venue.
"It's a WSL venue, the kids have been watching their heroes surf that event earlier in the year. To go out and surf at the same place, on the same break is super exciting."
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.