Taj's Small Fries grows to four days of fun

Australasia’s best young surfers are gearing up to ride a wave of excitement this week, with WA’s biggest and most prestigious junior surfing event preparing for its 19th year along the shores of Yallingup.

Welcoming junior surfers from Indonesia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and across Western Australia, the event forms part of Surfing Australia’s National Junior Rankings System and is the first of just five marquee 10,000 point rated events in 2024.

Event host and WA’s most successful male surfer, Taj Burrow said he was pumped to see another generation of groms tackling the same waves he himself grew up surfing.

“19 years that’s just incredible, I’m so happy that after all this time the event is still more popular than ever,” Burrow said. “Expanding the event to four days is amazing, it didn’t feel right knocking back kids that wanted to compete, so I’m thrilled that we can take on even more now, with over 180 groms entering – it’s insane!”

With divisions for boys and girls spanning from Under-12’s through to Under-18’s, the event promises fierce competition and a chance for WA’s local talent to shine on their home turf.

“Having a few international’s and especially so many eastern states kids coming to the event is huge for WA kids,” Burrow said.

“You know it’s one thing to win State Titles, but when you’re up against Australia’s best, it’s a lot more exciting and it’s really cool for all these kids who I know surf so well to see them compare themselves to the country’s best.

“It’s fun for me and it’s fun for all the spectators to watch because you start getting the interstate rivalries happening and there are so many kids making their way over so it’s going to be fun to watch.”

Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks said it was a major coup for WA and its junior surfers.

“Having a highly rated event in their backyard at the start of the year is amazing and hopefully allows them to qualify for the other big events throughout the year,” he said.

“We have some amazing young surfing talent here in the South West and across Australia and we are delighted to again support this youth-focused surfing event,” City of Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“I wish participants all the best and thank event organisers for what will undoubtedly be another memorable comp.

“I also extend my thanks to the families, support teams and spectators who bring a wonderful, community vibe to this event.”

An opening ceremony will be held at Caves House on Wednesday 17th January, with competition commencing from Thursday 18th January until Sunday 21st January.