Yallingup's Teen Surf Stars Set To Shine

Two teenage Southwest surfers will compete in the World Surf League (WSL) Cape Naturaliste Pro Qualifying Series (QS) this month.

Ollie Henry (17) from Dunsborough, and Emma Cattlin (16) from Yallingup were nominated by the Yallingup Boardriders for the prestigious positions.

The young surfers were announced by Surfing Western Australia as the local wildcards for the event, and will compete against some of very best surfers from across the Australia Oceania region. 

Emma Cattlin has already won multiple State Titles and will compete in the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in America later this month.

"It feels so amazing to receive a wildcard to compete in this big event coming to my home break," said Cattlin. "There's a great field of girls that will be surfing and it's a perfect way for me to warm up and get some good heat practice in before heading away to the ISA World's." 

Ollie Henry is proving himself to be a committed and innovative surfer around Yallingup, after moving to WA with his family from the Gold Coast.

"I appreciate the faith that the Yallingup Boardriders have put in me when giving me the wildcard position," said Henry. "I'm not a real comp dude, this is my first WSL event and it could possibly be my last but I'm going to give it my all out there." 

City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley congratulated Ollie and Emma and is excited for Yallingup to host the international event.

"This is a real win, win for our local community," said Mr Henley. "Clearly this an amazing pathway opportunity for talented surfers like Emma and Ollie, while the Cape Naturaliste Pro will draw many people into our amazing region." 

Yallingup Boardriders Club President Garth Mullumby is rapt to see local surfers given the chance to be part of a WSL Qualifying Series event.

"There's a lot of buzz and excitement around the town and I know a lot of groms are keen to come and watch," said Mullumby. "We chose Ollie because it would be an opportunity he wouldn't have had without the support of the club and Surfing WA. We've been watching Emma progress and improve for years and we hope this event can help kick start her professional career."

The Western Australian Pro Surf Series starts with the Mandurah Pro from October 13 - 16, before moving on to Yallingup for the Cape Naturaliste Pro from October 18 - 21.

Entries for the Cape Naturaliste Pro are still open via www.worldsurfleague.com

Catch updates on the WA Pro Surf Series at www.surfingwa.com.au