Conditions were ideal for the third and final event of the Freedom Junior Surf Series 2004. The swell was at an optimum size for all the age groups: not too intimidating for the younger competitors but big enough to keep the older competitors happy.

Junior surfing has exploded in the island, with competitors as young as four keen to demonstrate their skills.

Early standouts included Nathan Elms, Kyran Burroughs, April Fosse and surprise Polish entrant Bartick Rutkowski.

The finals started in the afternoon with clear, blue skies and enthusiastic parents and friends cheering on their favourites.

In the under-nines’ section, Finley Clayton pushed Gus Brewer all the way, with the latter taking first with a polished style unseen for one who is only five.

The novices saw a closely-contested finale, with newcomer Rutkowski, who played football for the under-16 Polish national team, taking the honours.

The under-12 final was again dominated by Elms, who showed flashes of brilliance throughout.

Matt Chapman outpointed his close friend and rival Bradley Ferguson for second.

The long board final saw a great family turnout from the Seymour family, which included brothers and sister Matt, Jack and Stephanie.

After some inspired rides they were pipped at the post by the skills of up-and-coming Cole Jounny.

Perhaps the most hotly-contested finals took place just below the Watersplash sea wall the under-15s and under-18s entered the water at the same time due to the rapidly-rising tide.

The under-15s greatly entertained with gouging manoeuvres on the predominently right-hand walls.

Jacob Warr from Guernsey surfed with power while Jake Elms styled on the few lefts available. Jake Powell at last showed the skills he was capable of to take a well-deserved second behind the hugely-talented Liam McFarling.

The under-18s saw a low turnout due to many competitors practising in France but did feature some great top turning moves from Josh Leatherbarrow who outpointed the fast-improving Matt Seymour.