Willow Hardy in close call for Surfing Australia’s She’s Electric competition on east coast

Margaret River’s Willow Hardy was among just five female surfers selected nationwide to undertake a select prize-winning competition this week.

The Hyundai-sponsored Surfing Australia She’s Electric contest saw Hardy and four other women join former World Surf League professional Laura Enever at an exclusive three-day surf camp and put through their paces chasing a $5000 prize.

The surfers will also star in an online reality TV series documenting the experience.

The final five were chosen from an online competition, with each surfer submitting their best waves.

Alongside Hardy were well-known east coast Australian talent Coral Durant, Anne Dos Santos, and Quincy Symonds, with Rosie Smart taking out the contest on Tuesday.

Surfing Australia boardrider clubs and judging manager Glen Elliott said the women received expert coaching and national exposure.

The cash prize was backed up by a “VIP experience” at the Australian Boardriders Battle grand final alongside Enever.

Hardy said she was stoked to make it through to the final competition.

“It’s always so fun to surf with the girls and super exciting that female surfing has so much support and so many amazing role models,” she said.

The contest was open to female surfers age 14 and above, running for 12 weeks as part of the nationwide hunt for competitors to submit videos of their best breaks.

The judging panel led by Elliott whittled down the entrants to the final five.

“The success of Hyundai She’s Electric was highlighted by the number of entries we had from across Australia,” Elliott said.

“The overall standard was outstanding, showing that the girls are charging. From big barrels to airs, it’s just great to see.”