The Central Coast’s own Macy Callaghan won the women’s title at the second stop of the NSW Pro Surf Series 2024, the Ryde Central Coast Pro World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series, held on the Central Coast last week.
Callagan, of Shelly Beach, prevailed over a massive field in fun surf as Copacabana delivered another day of clean waves in the two-foot range on the final day of the event on March 8.
Former Championship Tour (CT) surfer Callaghan took top honours over 17-year-old Willow Hardy from Western Australia in a tight-fought battle for the trophy.
Both women surfed well but Callaghan was able to use her local knowledge and took an early lead with a mid-range seven that Hardy was unable to chase.
Callaghan accrued an extra 3,000 points and nudges closer to qualifying for the Challenger Series where she hopes to earn her spot back on the Championship Tour.
“I’m so stoked to get the win today on International Women’s Day – it means a lot,” she said.
“It was great to share a final with Willow; she has a great future ahead.
“Thanks to my support crew for the weekend.”
The dynamic of having an ex-tour surfer come up against a new young up-and-comer left beachgoers wanting more.
This was Hardy’s best result to date and first final finish in a qualifying series competition.
Men’s winner was Jarvis Earle of Cronulla.
Runners-up Willow Hardy and Jordy Lawler left the Central Coast in better positions on the rankings than when they arrived.
Callaghan and Earle will try to keep their winning streak going and keep accumulating points to hopefully qualify for the Challenger Series beginning on the Gold Coast in April.