Oceania’s rising tide

The next generation of wave sailors has made their presence known at the Oceania Youth Wave Titles, with five riders claiming victory across multiple divisions in Geraldton’s Sunset Beach, all riding SEVERNE.

Jake Ghiretti (18) put on a masterclass in the U21 Pro Junior division, unleashing a technical display that left everyone in awe. Riding the S-1 sail and Stone 72 board, Jake launched perfectly stalled forwards and consecutive aerials that had the crowd frothing.

“This comp sets up my year on tour,” says Jake, who’s now eyeing the 2025 Margaret River Wave Classic before taking on the international circuit in Chile, Fiji and Hawaii: “I’m going to do the 4-star Margaret River Wave Classic in February next and then I’ll go to Chile, Fiji and Hawaii to do the world tour. I want to win the U21 division, but I’ll also be happy with a top three finish.  I’m realistic about my chances in the Pro Men and I don’t really know where I’m at, so it’ll be good to see where I’m at and get used to competing against the pros.”

Jake Ghiretti airs over a section at Sunset Beach, Western Australia.

Jake Ghiretti airs over a section at Sunset Beach, Western Australia.

TECHNICAL PROGRESSION

Sarah Kenyon (16) dominated both U18 and U21 Pro Junior Women’s divisions, showcasing pure power on her Pyro 62 and Redback sail setup. Her aggressive approach to lip attacks and precise snaps sure was a testament of the amount of hours she has put into her sailing.

The U18 boys’ division saw Tyler Wallrodt (15) charging hard on his Blade. “The bigger I go, the easier the small stuff gets,” says the Albany native, whose no-holds-barred approach secured him top honors.

Sara Kenyon cutback during the contest.

Future focussed

In a display that turned heads across the beach, 11-year-old Isaac Gill proved that age is just a number. Taking third in the U18s against riders nearly twice his age, his wave selection was impeccable, maximising every opportunity the Indian Ocean threw his way.

Isaac went on to finish third in the U15 and won his U13 division.

“I was just watching where the best waves are and choosing to go to those waves that look the best and are peeling,” Gill said.

Isaac Gill sets up for a turn.

Words from the organiser

Organiser Jane Seman says: “It’s incredible to see the progression of the Australian youth since starting this competition three years ago. We have some amazing local talent who have a real chance on the World Tour. Plus it’s just great to see all the friendships that have formed.  I can’t wait to see them all perform at Margaret River in February.”

FINAL RESULTS

U18 Girls

  1. Sarah Kenyon
  2. Jaiya Marns-Morris
  3. Santina Pillonel

U21 Pro Junior Women

  1. Sarah Kenyon
  2. Jaiya Marns-Morris
  3. Santina Pillonel

U18 Boys

  1. Tyler Wallrodt
  2. Ben Ilett
  3. Isaac Gill

U21 Pro Junior Men

  1. Jake Ghiretti
  2. Valters Videnieks
  3. Oliver Desforges

U15 Boys

  1. Max Ford
  2. Igor Panagushin
  3. Isaac Gill

U13 Boys

  1. Isaac Gill
  2. Robbie Cobill
  3. Kai Wilson