Cooly kid proves that age remains no barrier
COOLANGATTA surfer Marlon Harrison is punching above his weight at the competition named in honour of his idol.
Harrison, 14, is competing in both the 14 and under and 16 and under divisions at Parko’s Grom Stomp on the Sunshine Coast and has made the semi- finals in the top division.
Harrison, who is defending champion in the 14 years division, finished with the highest heat total in the 16 and under competition after Round 3, with a 17.23 (out of a possible 20.00), to defeat Sunshine Coast surfers Taj Stokes and Will Carter.
Harrison surfed two heats in a row to meet his obligations in both age divisions and while surprised, is having the time of his life.
“I was kind of shocked I won both,” he said.
“I just got a couple of good ones which gave me some confidence for my next heat.
“I love this comp because Joel Parkinson is one of my idols, we always get good waves and there’s nothing like hanging out with your best mates.”
Ethan Stock from Coffs Harbour was another to impress the judges in the 16 and under division and will be joined in the semis by Jamie Thomson (Narrabeen), Taj Stokes (Buddina), Finn Vette (Gisborne) and Zane Assink (Yaroomba).
Gold Coasters Matt Boyle (Currumbin Waters) and Tane Dobbyn (Palm Beach) will join Harrison in the 14 years semis.
Another Cooly kid, Lucy Tandler was a standout in the 14 and under girls division, scoring well to progress to the semis.
Competition for Australia’s best grommets aged from 10-16 will continue over the weekend at Currumundi.