'A dream come true': Fraser takes Small Fries win

Eight new champions have been crowned after a massive weekend of surfing at the 20th Taj’s Small Fries competition in Yallingup.

Smith’s Reef delivered a pumping 3-4ft swell for the final day, where some of the best and brightest young surfing talents stunned spectators with moves and determination beyond their years.

“This 20th edition has been nothing short of incredible,” event host and Australian surfing champion Taj Burrow said.

Burrow was forced to watch the final day of competition from home via the livestream as he recovered from illness.

“The waves at Smith’s Reef turned on, and it was so exciting to see these groms push their limits and rip in such challenging yet fun conditions,” he said.

“Congratulations to all the champions and competitors – this event keeps getting better, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built here.”

Margaret River’s Okie Fraser dominated the Under-18 Boys division and maintained his flawless performance in the final, posting a two-wave total of 16.98, to secure arguably the biggest win of his young career.

Fraser was pushed all the way by Will Martin (Coolangatta, QLD), who dropped a near perfect 9.38, on his final wave.

“It feels so good, I surfed some great heats and to take out the win is a dream come true,” Fraser said.

“We scored pumping waves and it’s really good to have all the competitors come over to the West and score some proper waves.”

Meika Locke (Palm Beach, QLD), claimed the Under-18 Girls title with a combined total of 12.53, taking down ISA World Junior Champion Ziggy Mackenzie (Balinga, QLD) in a tightly contested final.

“Ziggy is such an amazing surfer and it was so fun to have a final with her,” Locke said.

“She pushed me to surf better and the waves were really fun today. I’d like to thank my mum and dad and hopefully I’ll be back to defend my title next year.”

Brody Mulik (Margaret River), lit up the Under-16 Boys final, combining speed and precision to secure a 14.05 two wave total.

Mulik secured the win ahead of Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW), who was an event standout.

“Small Fries is such a sick event, I’d like to thank Taj and Surfing WA for such a sick event,” Mulik said.

“The waves have been so good and I’m so stoked to share that final with Joey who was ripping all weekend.”

Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW), proved she’s a star on the rise going back-to-back in the Under-16 Girls division.

Darragh was consistent throughout the entire event and stole the show in the final, clinching victory with a 14.43 combined score over Maddison Kenchington (Tallebudgera, QLD).

“I love this event, it’s one of my favourite ones to come to,” Darragh said.

“All the girls were ripping, I love WA, there’s so many good waves to choose from, I’ve been staying with the Frasers and we’ve had so many waves over the past week.”

Henry Smith (Mona Vale, NSW), was a popular winner in the Under-14 Boys final, posting a combined total of 12.88 to overcome Jack Bowdell (Cowaramup).

“My boards didn’t arrive when we got to WA which was a little stressful, but we got them eventually,” Smith said.

“It’s my first time to Small Fries but I don’t think it will be my last time, the waves have been pumping and I’ve had the best time.”

Estella Carbonelli (Jan Juc, VIC), took out the Under-14 Girls final and was amongst a large contingent of Victorian surfers in the 20th Taj’s Small Fries in 2025.

Carbonelli stepped it up in the final, defeating Navah Holmes (Tugun, QLD), on the strength of an 11.38 heat total.

Eight year old Alessandro Dotti (Bali, IND), surfed with a maturity and style beyond his years to win the Under-12 Boys final.

Dotti was one of many internationals who competed in the 20th Taj’s Small Fries and edged out ten year old Flynn Swierczewski (Coolangatta, QLD), by just half a point when the final siren sounded.

Kobi Lana Partridge (Coolangatta, QLD), was the most impressive of the Under-12 Girls, taking the win in her first ever Small Fries event.

Partridge linked and flowed on all of her waves to score a total of 10.36, defeating Luna Thomas (Margaret River).

Surfers and spectators also enjoyed a lively festival atmosphere with beach games, surfboard giveaways, and inspiring surfing across all divisions.

“This year’s event was a true testament to the talent and resilience of our young surfers,” Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks said.

“The 20th Taj’s Small Fries has set a new benchmark, and we’re already looking forward to raising the bar again in 2026.”

Final Results

Under 12 Girls

Champion: Kobi Lana Partridge (Coolangatta, QLD) – 10.36

Runner Up: Luna Thomas (Margaret River, WA) – 8.18

Under 12 Boys

Champion: Alessandro Dotti (Bali, IND) – 9.56

Runner Up: Flynn Swierczewski (Coolangatta, QLD) – 9.06

Under 14 Girls

Champion: Estella Carbonelli (Jan Juc, VIC) – 11.38

Runner Up: Navah Holmes (Tugun, QLD) – 11.13

Under 14 Boys

Champion: Henry Smith (Mona Vale, NSW) – 12.28

Runner Up: Jack Bowdell (Cowaramup, WA) – 11.88

Under 16 Girls

Champion: Lucy Darragh (Gerringong, NSW) – 14.43

Runner Up: Maddison Kenchington Tallebudgera, QLD) – 7.86

Under 16 Boys

Champion: Brody Mulik (Margaret River, WA) – 14.05

Runner Up: Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW) – 9.51

Under 18 Girls

Champion: Meika Locke (Palm Beach, QLD) – 12.53

Runner Up: Ziggy Mackenzie (Balinga, QLD) – 12.33

Under 18 Boys

Champion: Okie Fraser (Margaret River, WA) – 16.98

Runner Up: Will Martin (Coolangatta, QLD) – 16.43

– With Surfing WA