Teen seals nationals berth

Rising Albany bodyboarder Noah Symmans booked his place for the Australian Bodyboard Titles later this year after sealing the under-18 junior men's State title with a round remaining in an impressive display last weekend at Pyramids Beach in Mandurah.

The result was a welcome one for the 16-year-old after he failed to progress from the heats of the same division last year but qualified for the men's open division and later went on to finish second in the open men's final at the Australian titles.

In the highly competitive division, Noah revelled in the building swell to finish with a combined total of 13.76 out of a possible 20 to edge out Ocean Reef's Nathan Hutchins by just 0.54 and Josh Peters and Kai Fedodorov in the four-man final and claim the State title.

The win made it two from two after he tasted success at the opening round at Smith's Beach in March.

Earlier, he could not prevent Kyle Ward from capturing the open men's State title, finishing third in the final, but still harbours hopes of making the State team in the open division.

With a place on the State team now guaranteed, Noah said he could turn his focus to the Australian titles in Coffs Harbour later this year

Noah said he would not be placing too many expectations on himself after his surprise performance in the open division last year and believed the under-18s would be hotly contested.

"I'll try and make it through to the final but I will be stoked to make the semis," he said.

"I've just got to go over there and tell myself I have got nothing to lose."

Noah said he was still aiming to finish in the top six and make the open team as well at the final round of the State titles in July.