In a huge week for local female surfers, Lani Cairncross delivered an epic performance at the Red Herring Pro-Am in Tasmania over the weekend, taking out first place in the under-18s division and also claiming bronze in the open competition.

Cairncross thoroughly enjoyed the Tasmanian event despite challenging surf.

“It was a great comp and the surfing community in Tasmania was so warm and welcoming,” said Cairncross. “There are so many great surfers all over Australia, and these competitions bring everyone together. I really enjoy meeting new people.

“The conditions were variable, so everyone had to be patient. I was able to get a couple of good turns in, which felt great. I would definitely go back - such a great atmosphere and a great event.”

Her success follows fellow Jones Beach Boardriders member Alice Hodgson, who recently took out the under-18s division at Taj’s Small Fries, highlighting a strong run of form for the club’s junior surfers.

The Jones Beach Boardriders team said, “Taking on the national field and standing tall across two divisions, Lani is proving she belongs right at the pointy end. Calm, confident and absolutely ripping - this is a massive result.

“Jones Beach Boardriders is coming in hot for 2026, and our girls are on fire.”

The Red Herring Pro-Am is Tasmania’s biggest surfing event and one of the largest competitions in Australia, drawing top junior talent and seasoned open competitors from around the country.

The 2026 Red Herring Pro-Am also featured a boosted $25,000 prize pool across six divisions.

Competing in both the opens and under-18s divisions, Cairncross was on fire from the outset, winning both of her heats on day one.

Day two featured just two heats in the opens division - with Cairncross already through to the under-18s semi-finals - and she produced one of the biggest scores of the tournament, posting an 8.57 on her second wave.

She won the heat comfortably and backed it up with another victory in round four.

On day three, Cairncross narrowly missed advancing to the open final, losing the semi-final by just 0.53 points to eventual winner Mia MacMahon.

However, she bounced back strongly in the under-18s division, winning her semi-final by a commanding 9.67-point margin before exacting revenge on MacMahon in the final, defeating her by 1.5 points to claim the under-18s title.

Lani’s parents said they were incredibly proud of her efforts.

“It is always nerve-racking watching every competition,” they said. “We are so proud of her and, like all parents, we think she has so much potential.

“She’s been through a few injuries and faced some obstacles, but slowly and steadily she’s finding her way through.”

With Lucy Darragh, Alice Hodgson and Lani Cairncross proudly representing Kiama and Gerringong on the national stage, it appears the region may not have to wait too long to uncover its next world champion surfer following Sally Fitzgibbons.