2022 Taj's Small Fries | Highlights

Taj's Small Fries has concluded in a memorable fashion in Yallingup.

A building swell and strong afternoon winds made for a gripping finish to the event, with maxing waves crashing into the reef at Shallows.

Conditions kept competitors looking towards the horizon and parents on their toes as Mother Nature saved her best until last.

Yallingup local Otis North dominated on home turf, taking down good friend Macklin Flynn in an aerial shootout in the blue ribbon 16 & Under Boys final.

North's powerful and progressive style fitted in perfectly to the running right-handers on offer, posting a combined total of 16.35 with two excellent scores coming from his fast and fluid maneuvers.

Despite some great surfing of his own, Macklin Flynn was left chasing a 9.35 to snatch the win.

"Thanks to Taj and everyone involved," said North.

"It was great to share a final with Macklin and the rights were really fun."

The 16 & Under Girls division finished with a bang, as Willow Hardy captured her final Small Fries title with a win ahead of some of WA's best young female surfers.

Hardy used impeccable wave selection to pick off the best two waves of the final and blew them to pieces with a great array of forehand turns, locking in a heat high 8.00 and backing it up with a 7.50 to finish on 15.50.

Augusta's Ruby Berry finished in second on 11.95, Denmark's Isi Campbell posted a competitive 11.25 two-wave total, with Olive Hardy finishing in fourth on 7.60.

"This has always been my favorite event and I'm a little sad this will be my last one," said Hardy.

"The groms were charging, I don't think I would have paddled out there if I was ten."

The 14 & Under Boys final was an all-star shootout featuring four of the best surfers of the event all in contention. Maverick Wilson captured back-to-back wins in the 14 & Under Boys division, with a series of flashy turns and buzzer-beating scores to finish on a combined total of 15.85.

Wilson was pushed all the way by Sid Englert, Jetaya Hammond, and Okie Fraser, who finished second, third, and fourth respectively.

"It was pretty heavy out there," said Wilson.

"The waves were really hard to catch, and I just knew I had to make the most of my opportunities. I couldn't hear anything or that I needed a score so I just went for it. "

Olive Hardy kept the winning ways going for her family, with victory in the 14 & Under Girls final.

Hardy dominated the afternoon conditions and was too strong for Leila Fraser, Mia Jacobs, and Grace Cook, posting a combined total of 17.75, which included a 9.00 and 8.75.

"It's been such a fun event and it doesn't get any better than this," said Hardy.

"I got to surf against my sister in the 16 & Under Girls final and I've loved every second of this comp."

The 12 & Under Boys final saw Ace Flynn stamp his authority on a division brimming with future West Australian surfing stars.

Using a smooth and sharp rail game, Martin sliced and diced his way to a popular win.

Flynn scored a near-perfect 9.75 and a backup 7.60 to finish on a combined total of 17.35.

Crus Uros, Crus Macdonald, and Cam Spencer rounded out the top four.

"It's been the best three days and I'm stoked to have won as well," said Flynn.

"It was good to get some swell for finals."

Grace Cook proved she's a star on the rise, claiming back-to-back victories in the hotly contested 12 & Under Girls final.

Spearheading a crop of emerging female talent, Cook, scored a perfect 10-point ride and was able to extract the most from the waves on offer, taking down Leila Fraser, Isla Wroth, and Coco Laurie.

"I had a little sleep before my final and I had a dream that I scored a 10!" said Cook.

"It's like a dream come true, winning the final and scoring my first 10-point ride I couldn't be happier."

The 10 & Under Boys division unearthed plenty of exciting new talent, with Banjo Laurie amongst the bravest.

Battling the biggest waves he'd ever surfed Laurie was challenged all the way by fellow finalists Jack Bowdell, Jaxon Robertson, and Dylan Murray, with just 1.35 separating first to third place.

Paige Hayward won the 10 & Under Girls final, displaying Jodie Cooper like big wave prowess.

The goofy-footer styled her way to a 13.55 two-wave total finishing ahead of Ily Fraser, Luca Jacobs, and Lylah Loose

Hayward was a first-time Small Fries competitor and won't be forgetting the event anytime soon.

"Thanks to all the girls and everyone cheering us on," said Hayward.

"I've loved this so much."

Taj's Small Fries 2022 | Champions

10 & Under Girls: Paige Hayward (Margaret River): 13.55
10 & Under Boys: Banjo Laurie (Trigg): 11.65
12 & Under Girls: Grace Cook (Cowaramup): 17.50
12 & Under Boys: Ace Flynn (Cowaramup): 17.35
14 & Under Girls: Olive Hardy (Margaret River): 17.75
14 & Under Boys: Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough): 15.85
16 & Under Girls: Willow Hardy (Margaret River): 15.5
16 & Under Boys: Otis North (Yallingup): 16.35