Madi was one of four under 16 surfers to qualify for the final after two heats.

Her three rivals busily discussed wave selection and possible manoeuvres before the showdown.

But Madi, unfazed, sat on the sand with her board by herself.

“I’ve never had a coach,” she told The Standard yesterday.

“I was just thinking about what I should do.

“I wanted to catch a wave in the first 30 seconds, finish the wave off properly and get a good score on the board.”

The onshore swell was small but provided enough room for some quality competition.

“They weren’t the cleanest waves,” Madi said.

“But they were fun.”

The Warrnambool College student, who is part of the school’s accelerated learning program, placed second in her two heats to advance to the final.

Wearing the yellow vest, and without the advice of a coach, Madi put on a show of turns, snaps and cut-backs for the judges.

The 14-year-old caught about eight waves to clinch third spot.

“It was pretty good considering it was my first one,” Madi said.

“I’ve done competitions in Warrnambool but not as big as that.”

While Madi shows plenty of promise on the water, the teenager will not be able to accrue enough points to earn a spot on the state surfing team this year.

But the talented athlete is determined to push for a place, penciling in more competitions in the later months of 2012. In the meantime, Madi has plenty of other sports demanding her attention.

The all-round cricketer was named player-of-the-final in Western Waves’ win at the under 14 country championships last month, and plays for Russells Creek in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association under 15 competition. She also represented Victoria at the national under 15 hockey championships in last year.

mrooth@standard.fairfax. com.au