Gerringong’s Lucy Darragh was officially ranked the number one under-16 female surfer in Australia after her efforts at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles, held from November 25 to December 1.

The 14-year-old was trying to put rankings out of her head as she surfed at the Junior Surfing Titles, but after winning her semi-final heat and advancing to the final, her mother couldn’t resist telling her that she had already secured the top spot.

“I just wanted to surf my heats without having too much pressure about where I placed in the rankings. After I won my semi-final heat, my Mum told me that I had won the rankings by getting through that heat,” says Lucy.

Although she didn’t win the final, losing to Olive Hardy by 2.29 points, she had already done enough to guarantee first position overall.

“I was disappointed not to take the win in Nationals, but overall, I was still stoked,” says Lucy.

The event was held in Wollongong, which is almost home for Lucy, and she was grateful for the added support from her local community.

Some young Lucy Darragh fans. Source: Aaron Hughes/Surfing Australia.

“I felt so lucky to be competing so close to home and have so many people from my local boardriders being able to come and support me on the beach. It was really good not having to travel so far as we usually do for comps,” says Lucy.

Lucy announced her major achievement on Instagram, where she received a congratulatory message from Gerringong surfing royalty, Sally Fitzgibbons - a moment Lucy was thrilled about.

“Sally is one of my biggest role models because she is a nice person and an incredible surfer. I'm honoured to be recognised by her as she is such a famous name in surfing and one of my favorite female surfers,” says Lucy.

Lucy ripping it up in the Aussie titles. Source: Aaron Hughes/Surfing Australia.

The number-one ranking means that Lucy will represent Australia at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Titles. She has also been nationally identified by both Surfing Australia and the ISA for 2025, making next year a significant one in her career.

“It is an honour to be nationally identified by Surfing Australia, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity. With the help of the Surfing Australia coaches, one of my goals is to improve the weaknesses in my surfing,” says Lucy.

“I want to work on airs, backhand barrel riding, and my rail game in 2025. Another big goal I want to accomplish is to get a medal at World Juniors next year.”

Lucy’s 2024 has been outstanding. She won the U16 title at the 2024 Billabong Occy Grom Comp and at Taj’s Small Fries event in Western Australia. She also placed equal third at the World Surf League Junior Pro event, competing against surfers much older than her.

The Bugle can’t wait to see what she does in 2025.