Bondi 17-year-old surfing gun Fred Carmody makes waves on rise to the top of national scene

Hot off the heels of taking out the Oz Grom Open, Bondi’s Fred Carmody is the 17-year-old surfer making major waves on the scene as he prepares to tackle next month’s national titles.

In the world of competitive surfing where many athletes start riding boards before they can tie their shoes, 17-year-old Fred Carmody is making waves of his own.

The Bondi local, who only began competing seriously two years ago, recently clinched the Under-18 Skullcandy Oz Grom Open Championship in Lennox Head, cementing his place as one of Australia’s top junior surfing talents.

“It was pretty big for me because a lot of these kids have been around for so long and they’re really, really good at doing those types of things,” Carmody said, reflecting on his recent success.

The event is widely regarded as the most prestigious in Australian junior surfing and marks a significant milestone in Carmody’s rapidly ascending career.

Currently ranked third in Australia for the Under-18 category, he followed his Skullcandy triumph with a runner-up finish at the U18 NSW State Junior Surf Titles just a week later.

This qualified him for the upcoming Australian Junior Surf Titles to be held in Wollongong in November.

But Carmody’s ride to the top hasn’t been a typical one. Unlike many of his peers who have been competing since childhood, he only dived into the competitive scene at age 15.

“Competitively, I’ve only been surfing for two, two or three years,” Carmody explained.

His late start, however, hasn’t held him back. If anything, it’s given him a unique edge over his opponents.

Carmody credits his background in surf lifesaving for providing him with a strong foundation - as well as his competitive nature.

“I’m obviously a really competitive person,” he said.

“Everyone that sort of does these sports is competitive in their own way.

“But definitely having the lifesaving background helped me get into it a lot easier.”

This background rivals his surfing feats. As a nipper, he consistently medalled at NSW State Titles, including gold in the Under-12 Ironperson and Cameron relay.

In 2019, he won the Youth Coolangatta Gold, showcasing his versatility in water sports.

His skill was on full display during the nailbiting final of the Skullcandy Open. With just five minutes left in the heat and trailing his opponent, Carmody found himself needing a high score to take the lead.

Bondi's Fred Carmody after his win at the Oz Grom Open in Lennox Head. Picture: Skullcandy

In a moment of sheer determination, he caught a wave with just 30 seconds on the clock.

“I took off on this wave with about 30 seconds to go and I needed a 5.5,” Carmody said, recounting on his title-winning performance.

“I just went up for one massive turn, and I landed it. Then I milked the wave all the way to the beach, basically just kept surfing to try and get as many points out of it as I could.”

Carmody’s strategy paid off, as he was able to sway the five World Surf League judges in his favour, narrowly clinching the victory. The result, however, wasn’t immediately clear, leading to a tense moment of anticipation.

“I sort of saw (my opponent’s) face just drop when they reloaded the score on someone’s phone. That’s how I knew that my scoring came through and it was enough.”

Now, with the Australian Junior Surf Titles looming in November, Carmody is focused on preparation. Unlike many of his competitors, he doesn’t have a personal coach.

Instead, he relies on a rigorous self-directed training program, prioritising intention and mindfulness in his training.

“I think going out for a surf with a purpose is really, really important to do well,” he said.

This self-motivation extends beyond the waves. A Year 11 student at Waverley College, Carmody juggles his surfing ambitions with preliminary exams.

“Obviously having a really good balance is probably one of the most important things in any sport at all, just being able to balance study, friends, family,” he said, showing a mature understanding for his age.

“I try and put school first just cause that’s how I’ve been taught by those around me.”

Bondi's Fred Carmody after his win at the Oz Grom Open in Lennox Head. Picture: Skullcandy

This support system around his plays a crucial role in his success. From his family to the tight-knit communities of Bondi Beach, he’s surrounded by people cheering him on.

“I’ve got a really good base of support with friends and family,” he said.

“I’ve got an amazing support crew at the (North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club) and then the Bondi Boardriders have been awesome.

“Everyone knows everyone, and the Eastern Suburbs are just huge these days with everyone coming from overseas.”

This support also includes sponsors who help with equipment, but regardless Carmody faces significant financial hurdles in his surfing career.

“Just even getting to some of these destinations is really hard,” he admits, highlighting the challenging costs of travel and competition.

Looking ahead, Carmody has his sights set on following in the footsteps of his idol, Ethan Ewing, who recently came close to clinching a world title.

“I look up to him a lot, watch a lot of his surfing and just the way he surfs and the way he portrays himself as a person I think is really important,” Carmody said.

Despite the exhilarating streak of success, Carmody remains grounded as his focus is directed towards his preparation for the upcoming Australian Junior Surf Titles.

This approach, rarely seen in competitive athletes his age, reflects a mindset that could surely serve him well beyond the vast waters.

His philosophy shines through in his own words about his goals and motivations.

“Just focusing on myself and appreciating the sport that I do and just enjoying it as well.”

Originally published as Bondi 17-year-old surfing gun Fred Carmody makes waves on rise to the top of national scene