After a successful first heat on Sydney's Northern Beaches, the competition made a two-day pit stop in Newcastle for the second round of the 13-heat series.

Organised by Surfing Australia, the new series was created to help young Australians transition from recreational surfer to professional athlete.

After charging out of the gates in the under-18 boys round at Curl Curl Beach a fortnight ago, Baker gave it his all in tricky three-foot waves at Bar Beach on Sunday.

The under-18 boys final saw some of the most exciting surfing of the entire event, with all finalists locking in solid scores.

However, Cronulla's Jared Hickle pushed Baker to second place on the podium, despite the 17-year-old locking in a near-perfect 9.17 score.

Another one of Newcastle's top contenders was 13-year-old Madison Poole, who also hails from Merewether.

Unfortunately the Wahu Surfer Groms champion failed to place in her age division, the under-16 girls round.

It was Avoca's Macy Callaghan who snatched the under-16 girls title.

Poole's elimination leaves Baker to carry Newcastle's surfing legacy at the next leg of the series, which will be held on the Sunshine Coast, from October 25 to 26.

Baker has been surfing since he was five and has gone on to take out multiple grommet events.