Rising stars ride wave of title success

Surfers, regardless of age or stage, are not only more at home on the waves, it’s where they do their “talking”. It’s the same with a couple of young, blond-haired fellas from Geraldton, who much prefer boards under their arms than books. Jake Hagan, 15, and nine-year-old Cruz MacDonald have much in common. A love of surfing and a not-so-close attraction to school head the list. Last weekend the duo, students at Geraldton Senior College and St Lawrence’s Primary School respectively, headed south. Jake came home from Yallingup with the under-16 title and Cruz was runner-up in the under-10 and won the rising star award in the Taj’s Small Fries event, run by surfing star Taj Burrow. The pair, whose home waves are at Greenough and Glenfield respectively, are now preparing for the first round of the State title.