Kiama’s Alice Hodgson claimed the Under-18s girls title at the Taj’s Small Fries surf event in Western Australia last week.

Taj’s Small Fries is one of Australia’s most iconic junior surfing events, founded by Taj Burrow and held in some of the best waves Margaret River has to offer.

The event is no stranger to local success, with Gerringong’s Lucy Darragh winning the Under-16s division in 2024.

The competition began on 17 January, and Hodgson started the tournament steadily, placing second in her first two heats.

From the quarter-finals onward, however, she was unstoppable, posting three impressive wins, including two nail-biting finishes in the semi-final and grand final.

Hodgson edged out her semi-final by just 0.3 points, before producing two strong scores within her opening three waves in the final. 

Her opponent, Poppy Redman Carr, surged late with some big scores of her own, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

Hodgson took out the final by a margin of just 0.34 points, telling Surfing WA she was thrilled with the result.

“I’m so happy!” said a beaming Hodgson. “WA is such a great place, with super-fun waves. Our final was so close and could have gone either way, but I’m stoked that my hard work finally paid off.

“I got a left in my last heat and realised it could give me a couple of scores. I knew they were out there, and it worked out.”

The win marks another milestone for Hodgson, who made history in November as the first female competitor to win the annual Jones Beach Boardriders ‘Robbo’s Round’ event in its 43-year history.

Jones Beach Boardriders congratulated Hodgson on her latest success.

“Competitors were treated - and tested - by a solid swell today, with plenty of size and power on offer,” the club said.

“Alice absolutely rose to the challenge, making a huge splash in the finals and showing confidence, composure and strength when it mattered most. We’re incredibly proud to see her step up and own it in big conditions.”

The club also acknowledged fellow JBB member Ruby Neil, who narrowly missed progressing to round two of the Under-16s division by just 0.04 points.

“Shout-out also to Ruby Neil, who represented Jones Beach Boardriders in the Under-16s, gaining valuable experience and holding her own in demanding surf - an important part of the journey,” the JBB team said.