HOW JAGGAR IS CHASING HIS DAD’S MILESTONE ON THE WAVES
IF local hopeful, and son of surfing legend Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, Jaggar Bartholomew manages to take out the Gold Coast Open this week, he will further cement his family’s legacy in Gold Coast surfing folklore.
Rabbit was just the second winner of the event in 1978 which was then known as the Stubbies surf classic and now Jaggar has the chance to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“That’d be awesome,” he said ahead of today’s start at the event formerly known as the Burleigh Pro.
“It’d be a bigger achievement to win the competition but it’s just an added bonus for the family.”
But first the younger Bartholomew will have to overcome his poor history at the event.
“Pretty horrible actually,” the Coolangatta local said of his past performances.
“I haven’t made a heat here in the past two years but that’s in the QS (qualifying series) so the pro junior is a different story.”
Along with a name and date change, this year the Gold Coast Open has introduced a WSL Pro Junior competition which Bartholomew believes will allow him to perform at his best.
“Even though the level is still very high for the pro junior, you go to the QS event and you’re coming against highly talented men,” he said.
“I’ve just turned 18 so I’m feeling more confident this year.”
Joining Bartholomew at the Gold Coast Open is fellow local hopefully Ellie Brooks.
After having a dream start to 2019, including securing the solo wildcard entry into the Boost Mobile trials, Brooks was cut down by a foot injury and missed out on making her professional circuit debut.
Now fully recovered, the 22-year-old is excited to finally compete again.
“It’s a lot better,” she said of the injury she acquired when she stepped on a broken pipe and required stitches.
“I can finally surf full-time again and not have to strap it 24/7. I haven’t really put on the rashie in a while so it’s exciting.”
Brooks believes the home break advantage will hold her in good stead to contend in front of family and friends.
“I’ve been training a fair bit in the morning but it’s just so good to have a competition at home,” she said.
“There’s nothing better than getting up, having a coffee and getting to surf.”