Consistent one metre waves and offshore winds on Saturday provided ideal conditions, as the seeded surfers stayed on track for honours in the fifth and final event of Billabong Junior Series, at Jeffreys Bay.
The Pro Junior girls started their campaign with series champion-elect Tarryn Chudleigh (Kommetjie) progressing comfortably along with third- and fourth-ranked Chantelle Rautenbach (Melbos) and Sarah Baum (Athlone Park).
The biggest upset of the day came when 13 year-old Bianca Buitendag (George), second in the rankings going into this event, placed third in her opening encounter behind Michelle Imeson (Warner Beach) and Faye Zoetmulder (Port Elizabeth).
Buitendag, who won the last event at her home break of Victoria Bay, simply could not find waves that offered scoring potential, and was eliminated from the event.
Reigning series champion Nikita Robb (East London) showed the benefits of her experience on the ASP World Qualifying Series, racking up 8.5 and 7.0 point rides to leave her opponents in a combination situation.
Alice McGregor (East London), Heidi Palmboom (Bluff) and Tanika Hoffman (Kommetjie) also impressed as the shoulder high waves peeled down the point.
Two of the three girls in the opening round of the U14 boys division advanced to the last 16, when Sarah Baum (Athlone Park) and Bianca Buitendag placed second in their respective heats, while Heidi Palmboom (Bluff), the only girl to have reached a final against the boys, was relegated to third place in her heat.
Predictions of a rise in swell and continued offshore winds bode well for great action from the country’s best 20 year-old and younger surfers over the last two days of the event, which ends on Monday.
The Billabong Junior Series is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA). The series is proudly supported by First National Bank, Palmers, Kustom, Von Zipper, Red Bull and Silver Bullet Productions.
The 2007 series started at St Mikes in February followed by Durban (March 29-April 1), Cape Town (May 17-20) and Victoria Bay (August 9-12). The 11th annual series champions will be crowned in Jeffreys Bay (September 21-24).
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