Win would be driving force for Jagger’s career
THIS weekend 140 surfers will be taking on Snapper Rocks for their chance to pocket $7000 and one son of a gun says the prize money will help him buy a car and set up his career.
Like the Gold Coast surfers before him that have cracked the world stage from Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson to his dad Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, Jaggar Bartholomew’s determination is masked by a sense of calm and humour.
Don’t mistake the 20-yearold’s relaxed persona. The Snapper Rocks surfer means business and this weekend at the Usher Cup he wants to get his hands on the carved wooden prize that he lost by 0.1 point to Dakoda Walters last year.
“I’ve changed a lot of things about myself around my life,” Jaggar said ahead of the event running from Friday to Sunday. I’m surfing about seven hours a day. I just want to be the best I can be.”
The prizemoney for this year’s event has ramped up to more than $73,000 with the winner of the male and female competitions pocketing $7000 each.
Jaggar sees the growth of the competition that had 19 clubs competing last year as a positive and said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“I’ve always said it’s about the kids and building up grass roots. Clubs are the best way to do that,” he said.
“I look forward to getting better and have been enjoying life surfing everyday. I don’t currently have a car so if I win I’ll put money towards that and my family.”
Mermaid surfer Ellie Brooks has secured a spot in the open women’s final, set to be held on Sunday, after finishing second in her semi-final behind North Shelley’s Macy Callaghan on Friday.
The top two from each of the two semi-finals go into the final, with Charlotte Mulley and Keely Andrews also securing their spot in the final.