26 Feb 2022
WILDCARDS into Surfest’s main events were dealt at the Burton Automotive Wildcard Trials at Birubi beach today, with Port Stephens lifeguard Josh Stretton sealing his spot into the Newcastle City Pro presented by Burton Automotive and 12-year-old Charli Hately from Currumbin on the Gold Coast winning her way into the AAP Consulting Women’s Pro.
The Palm Beach-Currumbin High School student, who wore her first competitive surfing jersey less than two years ago, also won the wildcard on offer for the U16 girl’s division in the Sanbah Cadet Cup supported by Ocean and Earth.
“I only came down from the Goldie to try something different. I can’t believe this has happened to me,” said the 2021 Queensland U14 champion.
Anna Bay’s Josh Stretton – who was the event’s first reserve – edged out Boat Harbour’s Eden Hasson. The 19-year-old will now find himself up against the top seed at the Newcastle City Pro presented by Burton Automotive.
Eden had earlier secured himself top seeding into the U16 division of the Sanbah Cadet Cup supported by Ocean and Earth, set down for the weekend of March 19 and 20.
In the other cadet division contested today, the U14 Boys was won by Ocean Lancaster.
Half of today’s competitor entry fees were donated to Bay Area Boardriders.
Surfest’s flagship QS 5000 events are set to commence on Tuesday 29 March at Merewether beach.
Burton Automotive Surfest Wildcard Trials: Results
- Wildcard winner to the City of Newcastle Pro presented by Burton Automotive
Josh Stretton: Anna Bay (NSW) - Wildcard winner to the AAP Consulting Women’s Pro
Charli Hatley: Currumbin (QLD) - Wildcard winner to U16 Boys Sanbah Cadet Cup supported by Ocean and Earth
Eden Hasson: Boat Harbour (NSW) - Wildcard winner to U16 Girls Sanbah Cadet Cup supported by Ocean and Earth
Charli Hatley: Currumbin (QLD) - Wildcard winner to U/14 Boys Sanbah Cadet Cup supported by Ocean and Earth
Ocean Lancaster: Merewether (NSW)
Picture by Paul Danovaro
