PORT Stephens surfer Eden Hasson has been crowned the Australian Under 18 Junior Champion surfer for 2023.

Taking on a talented field at Phillip Island, Hasson’s wave selection abilities came to the fore, even managing to get some air.

While last year Hasson struggled in the quarter finals, this year he found redemption, taking out his first Australian Junior title.

“I am so stoked, I had a shocker last year, so it’s been good to back it up,” Hasson said.

“I was kinda just going to go with the flow, but I was planning to get some air and get some scores.”

Hasson surfed against strong competition including Port Stephens surfer Jimmi Hill, who took out third.

The win came off the back of participating in a Surfing NSW High-Performance camp that brought together NSW’s top juniors to train and prepare them for the national title event.

By Marian SAMPSON