State champions crowned after action-packed weekend at Smiths Beach and Cape Woolamai.
PHILLIP ISLAND — The final round of the 2025 No TXT No Wrecks Victorian Junior Surfing Titles wrapped up over the weekend with standout performances from Ava Holland (Dromana) and Jerry Kelly (Barwon Heads), who claimed victories in the Under 18 divisions. Holland also secured the Under 18 Girls State Title, alongside Jarvis Barrow (Jan Juc), who took the boys’ overall crown.
Day One: Rising Stars Battle for Titles at Smiths Beach
Competition began under sunny skies at Smiths Beach, with clean two-foot waves setting the stage for the Under 14 divisions.
In the Under 14 Boys Final, all four competitors were in contention for the state title, creating a tense and closely contested heat. Harlem Pec (Jan Juc) set the pace early with a 4.67-point ride, followed by a solid 5.83, showcasing sharp forehand and backhand maneuvers. Teddy Robertson (Torquay) responded mid-heat with a 4.00 and 4.20 to move into second, while Alby O’Day (Torquay) chipped away with several smaller scores.
As the clock ticked down, Robertson delivered a critical two-turn combo for a 6.77, closing the gap. Pec answered with a powerful fin release, but in the final minute, Robertson launched a bold aerial off the lip, earning a 6.97 to clinch both the Round 3 win and the overall State Title.
In the Under 14 Girls Final, Estella Carbonelli (Jan Juc) opened strong with a 5.33 and later added a 7.17, establishing an early lead. However, Scarlett Rennie (Cape Woolamai) surged in the final minutes with an explosive backhand swoop and snap, scoring an 8.33 to take the win. Despite the Round 3 loss, Carbonelli’s consistent results throughout the season secured her the overall 2025 Victorian State Championship.
Day Two: Titles Decided at Cape Woolamai
With conditions changing, the competition shifted to Cape Woolamai for the second day, allowing the Under 16 and Under 18 divisions to shine in improved swell.
In the Under 16 Girls Final, Rose Holland (Dromana) took a strategic approach by choosing left-handers over the more popular rights. Her decision paid off with a 7.33 and an impressive 8.67 for smooth carving and a strong forehand snap. Despite a solid challenge from Chloe Muscroft (Jan Juc), Holland’s dominant performance secured her both the round win and the overall title, breaking a tie in the standings.
The Under 16 Boys Final saw George Everest (Bittern) make an early statement with a 6.33-point backhand ride and solid follow-up. Kato Mogi (Belmont) and Angus Kennedy (Cowes) remained competitive with mid-range scores, and Mogi briefly overtook the lead with a 5.40. However, in a thrilling finish, Mogi capitalized on his wave priority, scoring a decisive 7.17 in the final minute to seal the round win and the overall series championship.
Under 18 Finals Deliver a Spectacular Finish
The Under 18 Girls Final featured one of the event’s most memorable moments. Sara Hickson (Rye) kicked off the heat with a 7.67 for strong backhand snaps. But Ava Holland (Dromana) answered in dominant fashion, earning a perfect 10.00 with four powerful backhand re-entries on a right-hander. Though Hickson maintained the lead briefly, Holland needed just a 1.94 to surpass her. She found a clean right for a 6.83 to move ahead, then followed up with an 8.17 to put her rivals in a combination situation. Her commanding performance earned her both the Round 3 win and the overall Under 18 State Title.
On the boys’ side, Jerry Kelly (Barwon Heads) took out the Under 18 division in Round 3, while consistent performances across the season earned Jarvis Barrow (Jan Juc) the overall title.