Max McGuigan headed to Australian Open of Surfing after clinching debut NSW junior title

A DECADE of dedication to mastering the surf has paid off for Maroubra surfer Max McGuigan, after he took the under 18 boys crown at the NSW State Junior Surfing Titles.

Maroubra's Max McGuigan won the Under-18 Boys division at the 2017 Woolworths NSW State Junior Surfing Titles. Picture: Ethan Brown/Surfing NSW. Source: Supplied.

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A DECADE of dedication to mastering the surf has paid off for Maroubra surfer Max McGuigan, after he took the under 18 boys crown at the 2017 Woolworths NSW State Junior Surfing Titles at Rainbow Beach last Tuesday.

After a hard-fought battle against in-form Cronulla surfer Jay Brown, McGuigan exploded in the later stages of the heat, posting two above-average scores to finish with an impressive two-wave heat total of 15.34 and take the top spot.

The victory has earned him this week’s Local Sports Star nomination.

“It feels unreal — I have been chasing that title for a long time, but I finally got there,” McGuigan, 16, said.

McGuigan in action at Rainbow Beach. Picture: Ethan Brown/Surfing NSW. Source: Supplied.

“It was a pretty tough event given that there were a lot of really good surfers out there … everyone surfed really well but I just stuck to what I knew and in the end I came out on top.

“There is a little bit of rivalry with Jay but we’re really good mates and get along unreal; he was pretty happy for me.”

The victory comes off the back of an impressive couple of years for McGuigan.

He was part of the Maroubra United junior surf squad that took out the Kirra Junior Teams Challenge in QLD last September, competed as a top contender at the Carve Pro and Volcom Totally Crustaceous Tour events at his home break, and the Rip Curl Pro, which attracts top junior surfing talent from around the globe.

Max McGuigan was part of Maroubra's junior surf squad of 12 kids who attained the number one ranking in Australia after winning the Kirra Junior Teams Challenge in QLD in September 2016. Picture: supplied.

Max was introduced to the water by his mum, Ironwoman Lisa Hardy, standing up on a nipper board and learning how to manage the waves.

“To be honest I thought I was going to be an Ironman, be like my mum, but then when I picked up a surfboard I kind of fell in love with it I guess.

“Now I just love the big waves, it’s just the adrenaline rush, taking on a big wave, going across and getting a barrel.”

Max’s mother Lisa McGuigan (left) and aunty Karen Punton (nee Hardy) were the first Ironwomen in Australia. Max dreamt of following in his mother’s footsteps and becoming an Ironman. Picture: Danny Aarons.

After finishing Year 10 last year, McGuigan is six months into his apprenticeship as a carpenter with a construction company, while continuing to train for pro events.

“I get to the gym a few times a week and do cardio sessions,” he said.

“I’m trained by Paul Moffatt and Blake Thornton, they both really help me out during the season and coach me in the surf.”

Back in the day ... McGuigan competing in the semi final of the under 13 section of the 2013 Teenage Rampage Oz junior surf comp at Maroubra Beach.

McGuigan has his sights set on the Australian Open of Surfing at Manly Beach in February 2018, after earning a wildcard into the event with his state title victory.

“I’ve never surfed that event before so I’m very excited,” he said.

“I obviously want to work and train and get in shape for that big event, whatever happens I don’t really care, I will just get out there and surf against the best and try to beat them.”