The Gisborne Junior Surf Pro, held at Kaiaua Bay on the East Coast over the weekend, concluded with thrilling performances from New Zealand’s top junior surfers, as Raglan’s Theo Morse and Mount Maunganui’s Ariana Walker claimed victory in the prestigious Under-18 divisions.
The event, which showcased the nation’s best young surf talent across three age groups, saw surfers compete in ideal conditions on Sunday, with glassy, shoulder-high waves providing a perfect backdrop for high-energy displays.
Pardoe Leads Local Charge
While hometown surfers made their presence felt throughout the competition, the title races were dominated by athletes from outside the region. Local surfer Jaxon Pardoe, the national champion from Gisborne, put on an impressive show in the U14 boys’ division. His standout single-wave score of 8.5 earned him the $100 prize for the biggest maneuver of the division. Pardoe advanced to the final but placed fourth with a total score of 9.27, falling short of the top spots claimed by Ffeon Clifford (Mount Maunganui) with 11.44, London Cockerill (9.90), and Louis Macquet (9.77).
Resilient Performances in the U14 Girls
The U14 girls’ division saw Hawke’s Bay’s Scarlett Gray display resilience amid challenging conditions. Despite choppier waves, Gray earned the victory with a score of 9.33, defeating Nami Marsden (6.00), Gisborne’s Madeline Smith (3.93), and Alba Clifford (3.03). Smith, however, impressed the judges with her technical prowess, winning the $100 prize for the biggest maneuver.
Kyra Wallis Shines in U16 Girls
Piha’s Kyra Wallis took early command of the U16 girls’ division with a powerful 8.33 wave that earned her the biggest-maneuver prize. Wallis maintained her strong performance throughout the final, finishing with a score of 12.60, besting Indi-Lee Ruddell (6.83), Alani Morse (6.27), and Brooke Mathews (2.23).
Tight Contest in U16 Boys
The U16 boys’ division was a nail-biting contest, with Mount Maunganui’s Sol Fritchley securing the win with a final score of 12.23. His final-wave performance of 5.40 was enough to clinch the title, surpassing Indica Cororan (11.77), Remy Sale (10.77), and Kentaro Mitchell (9.84). Sale’s incredible 9.0 wave in the semifinals earned him the biggest-maneuver prize.
U18 Girls Deliver a Thrilling Final
As conditions worsened in the later rounds, the U18 girls rose to the occasion in a dramatic final. Ariana Walker’s consistency secured the win with a score of 11.06, ahead of Sage Fritchley (9.84), Lenka Cargill (6.00), and Grace Gundry (5.90).
Morse Dominates U18 Boys
In the highly competitive U18 boys’ final, Theo Morse’s dynamic surfing sealed his victory with a total of 13.56. Despite strong competition from Tao Mouldey (12.16), Zade Pitkeathly (9.66), and Taimana Marupo (6.60), Morse’s explosive maneuvers earned him the title and the $100 prize for the biggest maneuver, a critical closeout hack in the early stages of the contest.
An Investment in the Future
The Gisborne Junior Surf Pro continues to provide invaluable competitive experience for emerging surfers, helping to develop New Zealand’s next generation of champions. This event underscores the country’s commitment to nurturing young talent in the sport, offering a vital platform for surfers to showcase their skills on a national stage.