Junior surfer Edel Rodden claims two events at Kalbarri season-opener

Some of WA’s best surfing talent were on show at the 2022 Kalbarri Jetty Surf Frothin’ Fools Gero Grom Fest earlier this month. More than 100 people entered the competition, held at Headbutts Beach on Saturday April 2, with competitors ranging from five to 18 years old. Surfers travelled from Exmouth, Yallingup, Mandurah, Secret Harbour, Lancelin, Perth and even Bali to compete in the event. Conditions on the day were great, as competitors were treated to perfect winds and a small swell. Geraldton surfer Edel Rodden was a standout, winning both the under-16 and under -18 female events. The talented teenager was the only competitor to win in two separate divisions on the day. She currently sits fifth in the under-16 female surfing WA junior rankings. In the under-18s men’s event, Jesse Siedmiogrodzki took out first place, followed by Jake Hagan in second and Tom Moody in third. Keith Roffman, president of the Geraldton Board Riders Junior Development Club, said it was a “huge volunteer effort by GBRJDC to pull together an epic day of competition and an evening youth festival”. Turning his attention to 2023, Roffman said he can’t wait for next year’s competition after such a successful day.