Gnarabup surfing siblings Okie, Leila and Ily Fraser are celebrating a great performance after taking part in the Hurley BL Blast Off in Sydney’s Northern Beaches earlier this month.
The trio were in Sydney over the school holidays and attended ex world champ Barton Lynch's huge Junior surfing contest which ran over four days and included many fun activities, as well as free coaching through the Hurley surf club in the early rounds.
The event was established by Lynch to celebrate the coming of summer and contribute to Australia’s rich surfing heritage.
Leila Fraser placed fourth in the Under 8s Girls division, and was the highest placed WA surfer in the category.
She battled the stormy conditions in the final with grit and determination to get an excellent result for her first big contest.
Okie Fraser made the final in his division, the Under 10s Boys, and was also the highest placed WA surfer in this division placing fifth at the end of surfing.
Dad Tim Fraser said Okie’s determination was on display for the entire competition to see.
:”Okie was pounded by the big waves in the final so badly but persevered and for his efforts won the Courage Award over all other surfers in the contest,” he said.
“This meant winning a custom Channel Islands surfboard which he promptly went and ordered the next day at a Mona Vale factory.
“The courage award was even more special for him to win it in big waves considering he has struggled with asthma since an early age. Swimming and surfing regularly have helped him immensely with asthma.”
The Margaret River Montessori School students are members of Cowaramup Bay Board Riders and credit their skills to parents, surf enthusiasts Yvette and Tim.
Year 5 student Okie is a regular on the competition circuit with third placings in the state rounds and Taj’s Small Fries, despite being younger than many other competitors.
Much to the delight of the impressed crowd gathered for the surfing competition’s ‘Idol’ concert, Okie Fraser also played his guitar and sang Paul Kelly’s classic ‘From Little Things, Big Things Grow’ in his first ever performance outside of his Montessori School concerts.
Ily Fraser was waitlisted for the Under 6 Girls division, but unfortunately wasn't able to enter the event.
“Spots sell out very quickly for these contests and mum and dad will have to be quicker for Ily next year,” said Tim Fraser. “Special mention goes out to mum Yvette, who was pit boss in my absence at work, and to her Mum and Dad from Manly who also provided support.”
The siblings’ surfing can be followed through their newly launched Instagram accounts @okiefraser and @leila.fraser.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
