Despite ‘Challenging Conditions,’ 12-Year-Old Surfer Achieves a Never-Heard-Before Feat

One of the greatest aspects of surfing is that it is accessible to all. People of all ages can surf using the right techniques. Besides, pursuing it as a hobby, they can excel in it as well. Recently, a 12-year-old Welsh girl created history in a surfing championship, winning in all three categories. Moreover, her proud father shared the little surfer’s determination to stand out in the sport despite the challenging situations.

On May 4, the news website Western Telegraph reported the historic win of Josie Hawkes, a Pembrokeshire schoolgirl at the Welsh National Surfing Championships. In the three-day event on April 29, the 12-year-old aced the championship performing in one category at a time.

Josie Hawkes won in U14s, U16s, and U18s categories

12-year-old Josie Hawkes was at the top of her game at the Welsh National Surfing Championships at Llantwit Major. On day 1, despite facing small surf waves, she impressed the judges and progressed to the semi-final of categories U16s and U18s.

Later on, on day 2, the 12-year-old surfed against three experienced surfers in a 25-minute heat. With her calmness and patience for better waves, she won the category. Her father, Ade Hawkes, told that her surfing techniques were highly appreciated by the crowd. Next up, she competed in the Us14 category. Here as well, Josie focused on better wave selection during the 10 minutes heat. Luckily, she got a great left handover wave and won the category like a professional.

Day 3 had a perfect build for the 12-year-old’s surfing prowess. Us16 was the last category she had to win. Despite deteriorating conditions and strong currents, the little surfer snatched the title from her competitors by surfing on quality waves.

The winner of three categories also received the honor of the most promising young surfer in Pembrokeshire. On the joyous occasion, her proud father told Western Telegraph, “She was excited about the event and looking forward to surfing a different venue in what turned out to be challenging conditions.”

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Nevertheless, it was with her father’s help that Josie discovered her passion for surfing.

How did Josie Hawkes start surfing?

At 3, Josie Hawkes would play with a bodyboard whenever her parents took her to Newgale. Eventually, her parents gifted her a soft board. Soon, Josie began surfing on green waves with her father’s help. By the age of nine, the little surfer realized her passion for the sport while surfing in winter waves. From here, she began exploring her surfing prowess and began participating in championships.

Josie was 10 when she competed in her first Welsh championships and also won two junior girls’ titles. Nevertheless, in 2022, she participated in the international surfing championship, Rip Curl Grom Search competition and won in the Us12 category. Since then, Josie has been unstoppable, continuing her winning streaks.

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Indeed, winning in three categories is a remarkable achievement for her budding surfing career, don’t you agree?