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Callaghan ready for WSL full-time debut

3 minute read

Teenager Macy Callaghan is comfortable becoming the hunted on the WSL's Championship Tour after two years of doing the hunting as a wildcard.

MACY CALLAGHAN of Australia competes during the women's qualifying round of the World Surf League Surf Ranch Pro in Lemoore, California.
MACY CALLAGHAN of Australia competes during the women's qualifying round of the World Surf League Surf Ranch Pro in Lemoore, California. Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Teenager Macy Callaghan will adopt a veteran's attitude when she debuts on the World Surf League's elite tour because she knows exactly what's to come this year.

The 18-year-old is the youngest Australian to qualify for the Championship Tour (CT) since a 16-year-old Tyler Wright in 2011.

As such, plenty of hype will surround her at Gold Coast's Snapper Rocks when the competition window opens on Wednesday.

But Callaghan knows what to expect after two seasons of CT cameos, the highlight being a runner-up at Roxy Pro France late last year.

The Avoca Beach product admitted to some soul-searching last year but says that performance in France helped settle any nerves.

"Last year there were definitely times I questioned myself, thinking 'Am I good enough? Why am I here?'," she said.

"I ended up proving in France that I am meant to be here and definitely don't want to be anywhere else."

Callaghan is aware there will be expectations on home soil but has learned from defending world champion Stephanie Gilmore and two-time title winner Wright.

"There is a lot of pressure as an Australian, it's my first event at home so there is a bit of pressure," she said.

"But it's the first of 10 events, win or lose we have nine more."

"I've spent the build-up (to the season) training hard, but also relaxing with the family before it all kicks off."

Callaghan has faith in the organisers ability to produce a rideable swell at Snapper Rocks, which has been ravaged by February's Cyclone Oma.

Pumps were activated on Wednesday night to move sand into the usually lively sections, deepened by the cyclone, that have since sat dormant.

"We've had some issues with the bank and sand coming in. It's (the swell) pretty non-existent but they're all over it," she said.

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