One of Barbados' most promising junior surfers has done the country proud at a major contest in Florida.

Bruce Mackie, 13, emerged winner of the boys' 13 and under division at the Rip Curl GromSearch contest at New Smyrna Beach last w

ONE of Barbados' most promising junior surfers has done the country proud at a major contest in Florida.

Bruce Mackie, 13, emerged winner of the boys' 13 and Under Division at the Rip Curl GromSearch contest at New Smyrna Beach last weekend.

Over 100 surfers from the United States took part in the contest, which was the eighth preliminary event of its kind from which the top surfers will advance to national finals in California in November.

By virtue of his performance, Mackie has secured a spot in those finals on November 5 at Salt Creek, California.

Another Barbadian, Lewis St John, was fifth in the contest at New Smyrna Beach.

Both Lewis and Mackie used the exposure in Florida as part of their preparations for the 2005 World Championships which will be staged in October, also in California.