06 Dec 2016
Coffs Harbour High School student Taj Watson, Year 10, has returned victorious after competing against the best junior surfers from around the country on the wave rich shores of Phillip Island in Victoria for the Surf Dive 'N Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles. He won the Under 16 Boy's title after excellent waves in the final and consistently strong surfing through the heats and semi finals.
Six States are represented at the titles across under-14, 16 and 18 age groups in both boys and girls divisions at the event that is considered the benchmark of junior surfing in the country.
Coffs Harbour High was also represented by former student Lee Winkler who coached Taj's NSW Team.
Taj would like to say thanks for all the support he has received, which helped him get to Phillip Island. Both the Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga Boardriders clubs have done plenty of fundraising to help pay for the costs involved in competing this week. Coffs Harbour High School and the Moonee Beach Tavern have helped with raffles while the Big Banana, Rip Curl and Geoff King Motors have been generous with their donations of prizes.
Taj's Australian Title should help with his selection for the Australian Junior Surf Team for next year's ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. His Australian title is a fitting end to what has been an excellent year for Taj.
