Jaffle Shack Oceania Junior World Wave Grand Final
The Jaffle Shack Oceania Youth Wave Titles showcased the next generation of wave-riding talent this week, with impressive performances across U15 and U13 divisions for both boys’ and girls’. With wind every day and an ideal mix of family-friendly flat water to overhead high sets out the back, Geraldton’s Coronation Beach provided an ideal playground for young windsurfers of all skill levels.
U15 Boy’s: Margaret River’s Max Ford (14) dominated the U15 boys division, pulling perfect forward loops and executing what judges called the “turn of the day” in the final. The fast improving Ford benefited from pre-event coaching at the Oceania Junior Windsurf Camp, where he further refined his loop technique and learned new variations.
“Max’s commitment to learning and his ‘go for it’ attitude really stood out,” said organiser Jane Seman. “He was willing to push himself and apply what he learned straight into competition.”
Max’s younger brother, Nikiforos Ford (12, Margaret River), was hot on his heels, finishing fourth, while Robbie Cobill (13, Perth) took second place with excellent wave riding and stylish backside-to-frontside wave riding. Ash Antonas (Perth) rounded out the podium in third with strong all-round performance in waves and jumps.
U15 Girl’s: In the U15 girls division, Ines Callenaere (13, Perth) delivered a dominant display, combining big jumps with confident wave riding on overhead conditions. Ines also impressed by finishing 4th in both the U18 and U21 Girl’s divisions, demonstrating remarkable versatility and promise for the future.
Rising star Zara Gill (9, Perth) finished second, with windsurfing friend Cora Murphy (Perth) hot on her heels in third and thriving in the family friendly waves of Coronation Beach.
U13 Girl’s: The U13 girls division continues to grow, with seven competitors showcasing their emerging talent and love of the sport. Zara Gill (9, Perth) took the win with nice jumps and wave selection, highlighting her strong skill for her age. An event stand out was six-year-old Mia LeMetayen (Noumea) who sailed courageously into the breaking waves, showing impressive control and technical ability for her age.
Lily Roberts-Holder and Zoe Ledger from Perth were hot on Zara’s heels in third place and thrived in the family friendly waves of Coronation Beach.
U13 Boy’s: The U13 Boy’s division was hotly contested with seven frothing competitors. Nikiforos Ford (12, Margaret River) claimed victory with big jumps and frontside wave riding, continuing the Ford family’s strong presence in the youth divisions. Eight-year-old Alfie Cutter impressed all with his fearless approach, achieving some of the best jumps of his life and earning the PATRIK Sail Award for Best Upcoming Talent for his exciting future potential.
The Jaffle Shack Oceania Youth Wave Titles and Junior Windsurf Camp provided a fun event where young windsurfers could enjoy the sport with friends and refine their skills. The event also gave competitors the chance to benefit from coaching and mentoring at the Oceania Junior Windsurf Camp, all in Geraldton’s perfect family-friendly waters.
U13 Boy's Oceania Youth Wave Titles Results
1st Nikiforos Ford, 12, Margaret River
2nd Alfie Cutter, 8, Perth
3rd Nael LeMetayen, Noumea
U15 Boy's Oceania Youth Wave Titles Results
1st Max Ford, 14, Margaret River
2nd Robbie Cobill, 13, Perth
3rd Ash Antonas, Perth
4th Nikiforos Ford, 12, Margaret River
U13 Girl's Oceania Youth Wave Titles Results
1st Zara Gill, 9, Perth
2nd Lily Roberts-Holder, Perth
3rd Zoe Ledger, Perth
U15 Girl's Oceania Youth Wave Titles Results
1st Ines Callenaere, 13, Perth
2nd Zara Gill, 9, Perth
3rd Cora Murphy, Perth