To the close-knit Port Stephens surfing fraternity, 16-year-old Joshua Stretton is a unique talent on the board regardless of whether he’s riding or paddling – and now the Examiner can reveal why.
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The Anna Bay product was riding waves on a boogie board at the tender age of three, he was one of the youngest to join the prestigious Bay Boardriders at age 12, and he has been claiming titles ever since in both junior and open events.
Last year he was crowned ‘King of the Box’ in the juniors and he has followed that up with his most successful season in 2018, which included the state Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) crown at One Mile and culminated with a win in the Australian SUP titles in Currumbin on November 11.
Coach Luke Michalak, one of the Port’s best known surfing coaches, has been working with the young Stretton since he was a grommet and is excited about the young man’s prospects.
“In 17 years at Port Stephens I have seen plenty of young talented surfers come through the ranks but very few follow through once they hit 15 or 16. Josh is different … he has always been a bit quieter and more humble in his approach while showing a keen determination and commitment to continue at a competitive level,” Michalak said.
“I have watched him improve his mental capacity over recent years … he is really focused and is excellent with giving feedback which you don’t normally find in someone as young.
“More recently we have been working on Josh’s physical fitness and technique, including going through videos and formulating tactics. He gets great support from his parents [Dave and Deb].”
At the SUP championships, Stretton surfed his way through the heats to take out the junior division, then backed up in the open men’s division where he was placed a credible third against the nation’s best, the vast majority of whom were older and more experienced than Josh.
“I was over the moon with my results … I felt great in the surf and enjoyed the whole experience,” said the strapping youngster, who stands at an imposing 1.85m (6ft 1inch) tall.
“There is no better feeling than being chaired up the beach by your mates.”
While his more recent success has come in the SUP surf carnivals, Stretton has his eyes firmly set on duplicating these results in surfboard riding events.
“I love both forms of surfing. I don’t have a preference, I love the water and I love competing.” So much so that the ambitious youngster is already thinking about turning professional.
“After I complete my Year 10 studies this year I plan to concentrate more on my surfing. I want to surf like my hero [Hawaiian] John John Florence, his moves are pretty much out there.”
Stretton also paid tribute to his coach Luke Michalak and his parents who he describes as great role models.
