The pro-junior title holder and former state school champion has entered the Mattara Surf Classic for the past four years, but has always fallen a little short of his own expectations.

“Last year I had a bit of a shocker – scored eight on the first wave and 0.5 on the second.”

Adam has been surfing since he was four years old and has been competing since he was 11.

He won his first pro junior title this year at Coffs Harbour in February.

He has also won an Australian title in the teams U18s with current Australian Junior series rating leader Stuart Kennedy in 2006.

It was a good year for Adam, also winning the state school title for Newcastle High.

Adam says local events such as the Mattara Classic are a good alternative to the tour

competitions.

“This year I have been focusing on the pro junior series, and then every now and again go into some of the local competitions.”

“You get to compete against the older guys who have competed in America and have more experience.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Adam hopes the home-ground advantage will be beneficial.

“When you surf here you get to know the bank a bit more.”

“I would be pretty psyched to get a win for a comp at home.”

This will be the 47th Mattara Surf Classic, and is the fourth leg of the NSW Open Men’s Surfing Circuit.

Around 48 junior surfers are expected to compete in various age groups.

The weekend event starts Saturday, September 13 at 7.30am and will be held at The Stretch between Bar Beach and The Cliff.