Lennox Head, NSW –– Australian surfing’s next generation showcased their exceptional talent as Landen Smales and Ziggy Mackenzie emerged victorious at the 2025 Traeger Grills Pro Junior, the marquee event within the Soundboks Oz Grom Open – Australia’s premier junior surfing competition.
Mackenzie Returns to Winner’s Circle
Burleigh Heads powerhouse Ziggy Mackenzie delivered a masterclass performance to claim her first Traeger Grills Pro Junior title since capturing the under-16 division in 2023. Despite challenging conditions featuring small surf and persistent onshore winds, Mackenzie remained composed throughout the final, posting an impressive 14.33 heat total to defeat fellow Burleigh surfer and close friend Isla Huppatz.
“This feels amazing to be chaired up the beach. I actually haven’t won anything for quite some time, so it’s such a nice feeling to get the win here again where I won one of my first grom comps,” Mackenzie reflected after her victory. “There were little right-handers that were popping up everywhere out there, so I just wanted to make sure I was in position for them when they came through.”
The triumph adds another significant accolade to Mackenzie’s already impressive junior career, demonstrating her ability to adapt to varying conditions and maintain her competitive edge against Australia’s elite junior talent.
Smales Soars to Victory
Noosa Heads representative Landen Smales proved why he holds the Indigenous Australian Champion title, claiming the men’s division with a tactical aerial approach that separated him from the field. As conditions deteriorated throughout the final, Smales adapted his strategy, taking to the air to secure a crucial 7.10 wave score that propelled him past fellow Sunshine Coast competitor Mitch Peterson.
“I didn’t really have a tactic in this final as I knew the waves were getting pretty bad, but I just thought the judges would like it if I went to the air,” Smales explained. “My whole goal is to hopefully qualify for the World Juniors, so hopefully this result will help me get there.”
The victory represents a significant step toward Smales’ ultimate goal of qualifying for the World Junior Championship, showcasing the progressive aerial surfing that has become his signature in challenging conditions.
Friendship and Competition Collide
The women’s final highlighted the unique dynamic within Australian junior surfing, as best friends Mackenzie and Huppatz faced off in a head-to-head battle that elevated the performances of both competitors.
“Isla is one of my best friends, so it was great to be out there in a man-on-man heat, and I think it fired both of us as neither of us wanted to lose,” Mackenzie noted, emphasizing how their friendship translated into fierce but respectful competition.
Event Significance
The Traeger Grills Pro Junior serves as a crucial stepping stone for Australia’s emerging surfing talent, providing World Surf League ranking points and exposure essential for progression to elite competition levels. Running from July 4-8, 2025, as part of the broader Soundboks Oz Grom Open, the event continues to cement its reputation as the country’s most significant junior surfing platform.
Both champions now turn their attention to upcoming WSL Junior events, with Smales particularly focused on qualifying for the World Junior Championship and Mackenzie looking to build momentum from her return to form at Lennox Head.
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