It has been a big year of learning for up-and-coming Port surfer Taj Turner and he is about to face his biggest challenge yet.
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The 14 year old grom from Anna Bay has for the first time entered Hurley BL’s Blast Off – the world’s biggest junior surf festival which attracts 350 of the keenest young surfers to Sydney’s northern beaches for a program of coaching, games, activities and competition.
“It will be heaps of fun and great experience,” Turner said. “I like being in the water, catching waves. I like the feeling of being in a heat and hassling people for waves.”
Following the blast off, which will run September 26-29, Turner will turn his attention to the Port Stephens Toyota NSW Pro.
The Tomaree High School and Hunter Academy of Sport student will for a second year contest the Kaos Surf PRD Cadet Cup when the pro returns to Birubi Beach in November.
“I didn’t win last year but it was really fun to meet people, and the pros,” Turner said. “I want to do better this year.”
Turner, a Bay Area Boardrider and Birubi Beach regular, has been surfing for as long as he can remember.
This year he has turned his focus to the competition circuit, competing in five surfing events including at Coffs Harbour and Lennox Head.
Turner’s mother, Wendy, said her youngest son thrived on the competition pressure but enjoyed the camaraderie with other groms on the circuit.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
