- WSL / Ben Stagg
- WSL / Ben Stagg

Dakoda Walters and Molly Picklum have won the Pro Junior event at the 2019 Gold Coast Open presented by Flight Centre today at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. Clean 2-3ft (1.5m) waves pumped through the right-hand point break all day, along with light southwesterly winds. Crowds gathered and athletes began preparation as competition got underway.

Prize Giving The Finalists at the Gold Coast Open Prize Giving - WSL / Ben Stagg

In the junior men's division, it was none other than contest stand-out Dakoda Walters who took out the win in stunning fashion. Walters tore apart the right-handers on offer all day, putting together a 7.0 (out of a possible 10.00) and a 5.65, for a combined heat total of 12.65 (out of a possible 20.00) - defeating Joel Vaughan, Zack McMahon and Taj Stokes respectively in an exciting final heat for the junior men. Walters took first place at another Pro Junior event in Cronulla just over a week ago and was stoked to win 2 in a row for the Australasian series.

"I'm so stoked to take the win today," said Walters. "It was a lot of fun surfing with all the boys today, especially in the final. It's great because this is my second in a row as well. I'm excited to show everyone what I've got!"

Dakoda Walters Dakoda Walters. - WSL / Ben Stagg

In the junior women's division, 2019 Junior Australasian Tour leader Molly Picklum took first place today, defeating Sasha Baker, Bodhi Leigh-Jones and Holly Williams respectively. Picklum, who has shone brightly for the whole event, put together a heat score of 13.05 by tearing apart the right-handers on offer at Burleigh Point.

"This is my third Pro Junior win for the year," said Picklum. "I had some average results this year as well, but I went home and re-cooped and have come back with lot of energy. Having a Pro Junior on the Gold Coast is awesome for us. I was stoked to be consistent throughout the event and get some high heat scores together. I'm stoked!"

Molly Picklum Molly Picklum - WSL / Ben Stagg

Tomorrow will see the WQS event get underway.

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