- WSL / Ethan Smith
- WSL / Ethan Smith

The opening day of the Hydralyte Sports Shoalhaven Pro Junior commenced today, in what was a challenging day that saw small surf and venue changes.

Tru Starling made the most of the move to Werri Beach from Shoalhaven Heads, finding a handful of punchy peaks, which she proceeded to tear apart with a combination of style and aggression. As a result, Starling was able to claim the victory in her opening exchange ahead of fancied opponents, Nyxie Ryan, Anne Dos Santos and Tiya Collins with a respectable 11.75 two-wave heat total.

"I'm so happy to get a heat win, especially against those girls," said Starling. "Thankfully a few little waves came my way which threw up a couple of little sections. Anyone of those girls could have taken that heat out, so it definitely helps my confidence to get a win over them and before heading into the next round."

Tru Starling Tru Starling. - WSL / Ethan Smith

Current World Surf League Junior Tour ranking number four, Caleb Tancred kept his Junior Series momentum going, moving through his round one heat behind perennial event standout and heat winner Kobi Clements. Tancred hopes a solid result in Shoalhaven will allow him to cement himself a spot in the top five on the series and place him in the box seat to qualify for the 2019 World Junior Championship.

"I missed a few Pro Junior events cause I was away travelling, so I'm hoping for a good result here," said Tancred. "My whole goal for 2019 is to make the World Juniors again and also surf in as many higher ranked QS events as I possibly can. Hopefully, I can achieve that here."

Caleb Tancred Caleb Tancred. - WSL / Ethan Smith

Micah Margieson showed why he was reigning Australian Junior Champion, decimating the playful lefthanders on offer in his opening exchange. Margieson found two notable waves in his heat that allowed him to notch up a decent 14.05 two-wave heat total and get the heat win ahead of Connor Lee and Mikey McDonagh who finished in second and third respectively.

"I actually spent a fair bit of time down here for the Australian Junior Titles in 2017 and I know how fun the waves can get," said Margieson. "With any luck, we'll see a bit of a jump in the swell and we'll all get some decent opportunities as the event kicks back off tomorrow."

Micah Margieson Micah Margieson. - WSL / Ethan Smith
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