Powerful day for Cape Nat Pro finalists

Yallingup’s Jack Thomas has claimed the men’s title at the 2024 Cape Naturaliste Pro, in front of an army of ecstatic friends and family after a challenging finals day in powerful, windswept 3-4 foot waves.

The WA Pro Surf Series concluded with Charli Hately (Burleigh Heads, QLD) and Thomas taking their first ever wins on the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS).

Injidup Carpark provided a massive and challenging day of waves, with surfers seizing their opportunities and taking full advantage of the powerful conditions to showcase their talent.

Thomas and 2016 ISA Under-16 World Junior Champion Willis Droomer (Jan Juc, VIC), did battle in an intense showdown that saw the lead change multiple times, the two men pushing each other’s performances and their own scores higher with each exchange.

Known for his fluid style and devastating power, Thomas dug deep to drop an excellent 9.00 (from a possible 10), for a clutch two-turn combination of manoeuvres in the dying minutes to overhaul Droomer’s lead and finish on a combined total of 16.10 (from a possible 20).

The final hooter sounded with Thomas standing in the shorebreak absorbing the moment, before his hometown support squad rushed to the water’s edge and chaired him up the beach.

“To win in front of friends of family in my hometown is just incredible!” Thomas said.

“That was a tough final with Willis, we were going toe-to-toe the whole way.

“I’ve surfed four times today so I’m pretty tired, but to win my first QS event feels amazing and gives me so much confidence before heading to the Phillipines and Taiwan.”

Fifteen-year-old Charli Hately stamped her authority on the competition and cemented her status as a star on the rise to take out her maiden WSL QS victory, the goofyfooter’s Gold Coast roots shining through in her powerful backhand attack.

Hately’s aggressive approach saw her fend off a fierce challenge from local favourite Willow Hardy (Margaret River, WA), with just 0.4 separating the pair when the final siren sounded.

Hately posted a two-wave combined total of 13.07 (from a possible 20), edging out Hardy who finished on 12.67.

“This is a day I’ll remember forever, the waves were actually pretty fun and to share a final with Willow was great,” said Hately.

“It’s been the best trip to Western Australia, and one I won’t forget any time soon.”

Hardy capped off a memorable WA Pro Surf Series with back-to-back finals in Mandurah and Yallingup.

Hardy locked in the highest score of the final, a 7.00 (from a possible 10), but was unable to find the second score she needed to overcome Hately.

“I’m pretty stoked to make the final, the Cape Naturaliste Pro was the first QS I ever competed in, so to make the final this time is pretty special,” Hardy said.

“This gives me great confidence going into the next events in Asia, and hopefully we score some good waves over there.”