The 2025 Sanbah Cadet Cup was a showcase of up-and-coming talent in junior surfing, with standout performances across multiple age divisions. Held at South Bar Beach, the event offered a mix of unpredictable conditions, from glassy mornings to challenging onshore winds in the afternoons. However, despite the tricky surf, the next generation showed incredible poise and skill, with some taking home their first major competition titles.
In the 16s boys’ division, Rio Luther-Barr claimed victory with a dominant performance, outlasting a competitive field and earning his place atop the podium. Meanwhile, in the under 16s girls’ division, Mali Adam emerged victorious, displaying powerful rail work which helped her edge out the competition. Both Rio and Mali’s wins signal that they are forces to be reckoned with on the national surfing scene in the coming years.
The 14s boys’ division saw a thrilling final, with Jacques Callebaut emerging as the victor after a solid performance that mixed speed and style. For the girls, Alanni Morris claimed her first major Cadet Cup title, battling through inconsistent waves but making the most of each opportunity.
The youngest divisions also saw impressive victories. In the under 12s boys’ division, Merewether’s Hayden Mee’s secured the win, while in the under 12s girls, champion Sage Fleming impressed the judging panel. Both Mee and Fleming, with their natural talent and cool heads under pressure, have certainly set themselves up for successful futures in the sport.
Surfest Newcastle is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
