Barwon Heads surfer Jerry Kelly won the premiere division at the Woolworths Victorian Junior Surfing Titles at Gunnamatta on the weekend.
Kelly is now one step closer to making the state team. Rye’s Ava Holland won the girls open division with Jan Juc’s Juliet Muscroft third.
As the hooter sounded, Kelly wasted no time in showcasing his powerful approach to the waves.
Positioned perfectly on a left-hand bank down the beach, he seized the opportunity presented by a large set wave. With unwavering confidence, he launched himself into the wave’s face, attacking each section with fearless precision.
Kelly smoothly transitioned from one manoeuvre to the next, finishing with a hammer of a turn.
The judges, impressed by his bold performance, awarded him an excellent 8.67, enabling him to establish a commanding lead early in the final.
Still feeling the rush of adrenaline from his initial wave, Kelly wasted no time in seeking out another chance to showcase everything he had on offer. Paddling back out to the same bank, his focus remained on the horizon for the next wave. He then found a wave with a huge end section and Kelly once again displayed his fearless approach to everything he hit.
With confidence, he executed a vertical manoeuvre in the most critical section of the wave to secure a solid seven-point ride.
Meanwhile, Barwon Heads’ Max Basset, sensing the urgency to make a comeback, unleashed a flurry of impressive backhand snaps, earning a commendable 7.50. However, despite his valiant effort, Basset’s late surge proved insufficient as the final moments ticked away, leaving Kelly to claim victory.
“My plan was to get the best first wave and land all my turns,” said Kelly.
“All the boys were ripping all weekend and it was good to get away with the win.”
Basset came second with Sam Patterson (Inverloch) and Jarrah Cicero (Sandy Point) placing third and fourth.
