Willagee grommet Lawson Thomas finished second in the U/12 boys division at Taj’s Small Fries competition.
Camera IconWillagee grommet Lawson Thomas finished second in the U/12 boys division at Taj’s Small Fries competition. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Willagee grommet Lawson Thomas scores podium finish at Taj’s Small Fries

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

WILLAGEE grommet Lawson Thomas has carved his way to a podium finish at Taj’s Small Fries competition.

The 11-year-old scored second place in the U/12 boys division, with Brazilian Ryan Kainalo claiming top honours at the Yallingup event after posting a score of 12.45.

Lawson said conditions, a mix of two to three-foot barrels and long running lefts, made for great surfing.

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“I was a bit nervous because I knew I had hard competition,” he said.

“It was awesome to get on the podium.

“That was one of my goals.”

The local lad said it was his mix of speed, power, snaps and cut-backs that pushed him to a score of 9.10 and a memorable finish to surfing champion Taj Burrow’s signature tournament.

Proud dad, Brad, said his young charge honed his craft in waves at Leighton Beach and Sand Tracks.

But the family is willing to travel for good swell.

“We chase (waves) when we know it’s going to be on,” he said.

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