Eden Hasson has rounded out a stellar year on the water by being named an Australian Junior Surfing Champion.
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In the national and state junior rankings for under-16s, the Boat Harbour teenager ended the year on top of based on points scored from key surf events throughout 2021.
In response to his achievement Hasson, aged 15, succinctly stated: "I'm stoked".
Eden claimed the highest amount of points - 16,680, which was 628 points clear of the second place Willis Droomer from Victoria - out of 62 boys in under-16s competing in the national and Surfing NSW rankings.
His points came from wins in the Mid North Coast and Newcastle Regional Titles and the recent NSW Junior Shortboard State Titles, plus second place finishes in the Australian Junior Online Surf Championships and Billabong Oz Grom Cup.
The NSW Junior State Titles, held in Wollongong at the end of November, was a highlight for Eden.
In his third attempt at claiming a state title, favourable conditions and a growth in skilled helped Eden eclipse previous opening round knockout results to this year take out the under-16 division.
"The last couple of years I was knocked out in the first or second round so to go there this year and to finally get the win was great," he said.
"I feel like I've really improved since last year. I was feeling pretty confident I would do better than past years but my goal was to win. I'm really stoked that I did it."
The under-16 boys final was held in challenging one-to-two foot conditions at Corrimal. Eden made light work of the mediocre surf to notch up a 15.00 two-wave total to finish in the winners chair ahead of Hughie Vaughan from Bateau Bay.
"Most of the competitors on the final day were bigger kids and the conditions were really small and windy," Eden said.
"Me being a smaller competitor, I had an easier time maneuvering on the waves. I got ahead really early in the final. High got a big score towards the middle, which made me nervous. I had to sit on him the rest of the final to make sure he didn't get priority."
Eden left the water with his goal achieved - win a NSW state title.
"Everyone ran down to the water and lifted me up. It didn't feel real," he said.
The state title win means Eden will now surf in the national titles, which will be held in Queensland in 2022.
In further achievements this year, Eden was one of eight junior surfers selected for the Institute of Sport's talent identification and development, he signed a major contract with Quicksilver and earned a scholarship into the Australian Surfing High Performance Centre where he will be mentored by Olympic coach Bede Durbridge and Andy King, coach of current world champion Gabriel Mendinas.
Eden's goals for 2022 is to surf the pro junior circuit, have fun and travel to Hawaii and stay at the Quiksilver house at Pipeline.
His aim is to eventually qualify for the World Surfing League's dream Championship Tour.
Related Reading: Port surfers shine in King of the Box | photos
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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.
