Comeback sealed with second State title

Denmark surfer Michaela Ross clinched her second State longboard title in the open women’s division at the third and final round of the WA Longboard Titles in Mandurah last weekend, to complete a successful return to competitive surfing.

Ross, who now resides in Perth where she is studying at university, took a break from surfing in recent years before deciding to tackle the State rounds in 2016.

After finishing second to gun open women’s competitor Georgia Young in the first round, Ross took out round 2 back home in Denmark to set up a cracking last event in testing conditions at Avalon Bay.

In the combined scores from two finals held at the weekend, Ross prevailed with 16.17 from a possible 20 to win round 3 and also claim a thrilling State title over Young.

Just 280 points separated Ross and Young in the State rankings but the youngster was thrilled to win the title against such an admired competitor of hers.

“I was so happy to win,” an elated Ross said.

“Especially after having two or three years out of competitive surfing.

“This year, I decided to go back and it’s been super tight between Georgia and I.

“I’ve always looked up to her, so it’s very cool to win and she is such a great competitor and is still out there giving me tips on how to improve.”

Ross last won the open women’s State title in 2011 and has also claimed three under-18 girls’ titles.

The victory has also secured Ross a place in the WA team for the national titles at the Australian Surf Festival in Coffs Harbour in August.

“I never really thought about it, but I am super keen to head over to Aussies,” she said.

“I won an Aussie title in the 18s before, but it will be great to go back.”

Albany’s Tony Harrison also tasted State title success, winning the over-65 men’s division after finishing second in the final at the weekend.

Harrison also surfed in the over-60 men’s final in the last round, finishing second to be third in the overall standings.

Denmark youngster Gidget Nuenuebel was also crowned the under-18 junior girls’ champion despite not competing in the third round.

She had already won the title after victories in the first two rounds.