Piper Harrison and Zahli Kelly after the Final at the Phillip Island Pro Women's QS1,000. - WSL / Liam Robertson
Coolangatta surfer Piper Harrison has been crowned the inaugural Phillip Island Pro Women's Champion at the Penguin Parade (Summerland Bay) on Phillip Island. Surfing with maturity beyond her years, the 16-year-old progressed through the final rounds of the event, which was relocated to the Penguin Parade due to a large swell and moderate westerly winds.
The Final saw Harrison lock in an early, solid-scoring ride on her way to besting Zahli Kelly who struggled to find the best waves in the windy surf. Harrison finished the Final with a heat total of 11.25 with Kelly only managing a 9.00 heat total.
Sixteen-year-old Piper Harrison surfed beyond her years to win her first QS event. - WSL / Liam Robertson
"This is my first-ever Qualifying Series win so I'm pretty overwhelmed right now," said an ecstatic Harrison. "When I woke up this morning I didn't really expect to win but I am obviously stoked."
Born in Victoria on the Mornington Peninsula, Harrison relocated to the Gold Coast three years ago and believes that honing her skills in the powerful Victoria waves helped at this event.
Piper Harrison chaired to victory at the Penguin Parade. - WSL / Liam Robertson
"Growing up surfing the waves around the Mornington Peninsula definitely helped at this event," she said. "It feels like I am home when I come to Phillip Island. I love coming to Phillip Island, you are never bored here. There is always waves and heaps of fun stuff to do when you aren't surfing."
Fourteen-year-old-Zahli Kelly was pleased to make it to the Final and surf in some great waves.
Zahli Kelly taking her best-ever QS result at the Phillip Island Pro. - WSL / Liam Robertson
"I am so happy to just make the Final," said Kelly. "The waves were super fun throughout the whole event and to finish in a right-hand point break is awesome. This is my second time to Phillip Island, I love coming here. It is such a rugged area, it reminds me of New Zealand."
Placing in equal third overall was India Robinson and Tarnea O'Meara who were both eliminated in the Semifinals.
Piper Harrison Wins Phillip Island Pro Women's QS1,000
Tom Bennett
Coolangatta surfer Piper Harrison has been crowned the inaugural Phillip Island Pro Women's Champion at the Penguin Parade (Summerland Bay) on Phillip Island. Surfing with maturity beyond her years, the 16-year-old progressed through the final rounds of the event, which was relocated to the Penguin Parade due to a large swell and moderate westerly winds.
The Final saw Harrison lock in an early, solid-scoring ride on her way to besting Zahli Kelly who struggled to find the best waves in the windy surf. Harrison finished the Final with a heat total of 11.25 with Kelly only managing a 9.00 heat total.
"This is my first-ever Qualifying Series win so I'm pretty overwhelmed right now," said an ecstatic Harrison. "When I woke up this morning I didn't really expect to win but I am obviously stoked."
Born in Victoria on the Mornington Peninsula, Harrison relocated to the Gold Coast three years ago and believes that honing her skills in the powerful Victoria waves helped at this event.
"Growing up surfing the waves around the Mornington Peninsula definitely helped at this event," she said. "It feels like I am home when I come to Phillip Island. I love coming to Phillip Island, you are never bored here. There is always waves and heaps of fun stuff to do when you aren't surfing."
Fourteen-year-old-Zahli Kelly was pleased to make it to the Final and surf in some great waves.
"I am so happy to just make the Final," said Kelly. "The waves were super fun throughout the whole event and to finish in a right-hand point break is awesome. This is my second time to Phillip Island, I love coming here. It is such a rugged area, it reminds me of New Zealand."
Placing in equal third overall was India Robinson and Tarnea O'Meara who were both eliminated in the Semifinals.
Piper Harrison
Women's QS Completes RD32, Pro Juniors Revel. Surf Expected to Build Throughout Friday.
The young Aussie continues her epic form in 2019 with a win at one of the most dreamy stops on the QS.
Boardmasters' surfing action continues with the Boardmasters Longboard Pro opening rounds at Fistral.
Big wins for both youngsters at the Ballito O'Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior
Massive scores and epic conditions wrap up Finals Day
Phillip Island Pro
Jacob Willcox takes on Mitch Parkinson in an epic Final at Penguin Parade.
Jacob Willcox has his 2017 season back on track with a victory over Mitch Parkinson at Phillip Island.
Women's Finals Day at The Phillip Island Pro QS1,000.
The waves were pumping for Men's Round Two of the Phillip Island Pro.
The second day of the Phillip Island Pro QS1,000 has seen competitors greeted with epic conditions at the pristine Cape Woolamai.