Teenage surfer Zahli Kelly creating waves as she chases world tour spot

Her competition surfing is turning heads but it’s teenager Zahli Kelly’s competitive drive which could take her to the heights of the sport.

Her competition surfing is turning heads but it’s teenager Zahli Kelly’s competitive drive which could take her to the heights of the sport.

Just 15, Kelly is already touted as one of Australian surfing’s brightest prospects with the potential to join the world tour within the next two seasons and well shy of her 18th birthday.

But it is the teen stars fiercely competitive nature which could help deliver her the surf accolades she desires.

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Kelly, who is home schooled which allows her the flexibility of more travel for competition, admits she is driven in everything she does, from surfing to board games.

Zahli Kelly, who contested the Sydney Surf Pro earlier this month, showing off some of her moves.

Zahli Kelly at 12 was well on her way to making waves in Australian surfing.

“I don’t like losing. I’m competitive in everything I do,” said the 15-year-old who at age 13 earned her first wildcard spot in the Roxy Pro trials which run prior to the annual World Tour opener at Snapper Rocks.

“If I play a board game I have to win.”

Zahli Kelly at Manly before a heat of the Sydney Surf Pro last week.

Kelly’s mother Sue is well acquainted with her daughters passion and drive.

“If she doesn’t win, we have to all sit there with her until she does,” she laughed.

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Kelly’s talent was identified early with surf company Billabong signing her when she was just 10-years old.

Five years on she is rewarding their foresight with Kelly seen as the future of women’s surfing and now with the opportunity to test herself against some of the best if she wins the trials scheduled to be surfed on the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

The opening event of both the women’s and men’s world tours should kick off at Snapper Rocks next week.

Stephanie Gilmore, with six previous wins, is favourite to kick off her world title defence at the right-hand break she calls home.

Fellow Australian Julian Wilson is the defending men’s champion. .