Geraldton surfer Cruz MacDonald crowned U14s State champion, Edel Rodden finishes on podium at Flat Rocks

Two Geraldton surfers have had a strong finish to the Woolworths State Junior Surfing Titles at Flat Rocks, with one winning the State championship in his category.

Cruz MacDonald, 13, claimed the under-14 boys State title, after performing strongly in home conditions.

Using his home knowledge, MacDonald scored 13.40 and 12.90 to see him through to the final before scoring 15.17 across his two waves to take the third leg of the tour.

After winning the first leg in Yallingup and finishing runner-up at Trigg, the win in Geraldton allowed him to take the State title on his home beach.

MacDonald said the win qualified him for the nationals, a first in his career.

“I’m so stoked to win the event and the State title here in Gero,” he said.

“This is the first time I’ve qualified for the national titles and I can’t wait to get over to Wollongong with the team.

“Thanks to my mum and dad and all the boys in the final.”

His win earned him 7500 points to sit third on the WA under-14 junior rankings.

Meanwhile, Edel Rodden performed strongly at home, taking second place in the Geraldton leg of the tour.

In the under-17 category, she scored 11.34 and 7.86 in her respective heats, which was enough to see her through to the final.

Rodden scored 14.23 in the decider, but was pipped by Margaret River’s Ruby Berry (15.73), who claimed the State championship.

Her third-placed result for the entire competition earned her 5475 points according to Surfing WA, moving her to fourth in the WA under-17 girls surfing ranks.

Starting Friday, July 19, Geraldton will host the WA Stand Up Paddleboard championship at Sunset Beach.

Ten titles will be up for grabs, as well as positions for WA’s team for the national titles in Victoria in October.

Meanwhile, the Mid West School Surfing Championships will take place on Monday, July 22.