Five surfers from Mount Maunganui have been selected to represent New Zealand at the 2025 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Junior Surfing Championship, one of the premier global competitions for young surf athletes.
The national junior team features a strong blend of experienced international competitors and emerging talents under 18, according to a statement from Surfing New Zealand. The squad showcases the country’s best young surfers, poised to compete against the world’s top junior athletes.
The ISA World Junior Championship is regarded as a critical stepping stone for surfers aiming to progress into professional ranks, including the World Surf League (WSL) and the Olympic Games.
While the official dates and location for the 2025 event have yet to be announced by the ISA, excitement is already mounting within the New Zealand surfing community.
Among the returning athletes with ISA experience are Alexis Owen (Dunedin), Tao Mouldey (Mount Maunganui), Benji Lowen (Mount Maunganui), Vitor Bauermann (Mount Maunganui), and a strong contingent of young women including Chloe Groube, Leia Millar, Poppy Arkle, Alani Morse, and Lola Groube.
“These returning athletes have proven themselves on the world stage,” said Lee Ryan, convenor of the national teams. “They bring maturity, calm under pressure, and the hunger to go even further in 2025.”
New to the ISA circuit and making their debuts are Jacob Haines and Luca Thompson from Raglan, alongside Brissa Canina from Coolum, Australia. They are preparing to make a significant impact at the championships.
2025 New Zealand ISA World Junior Championship Team
Boys U18
Alexis Owen (Dunedin)
Jacob Haines (Raglan)
Tao Mouldey (Mount Maunganui)
Non-Travelling Reserve: Lewis Murphy (Dunedin)
Boys U16
Benji Lowen (Mount Maunganui)
Luca Thompson (Raglan)
Vitor Bauermann (Mount Maunganui)
Non-Travelling Reserve: Sol Fritchley (Mount Maunganui)
Girls U18
Chloe Groube (Pauanui)
Leia Millar (Auckland)
Lola Groube (Pauanui)
Non-Travelling Reserve: Sage Fritchley (Mount Maunganui)
Girls U16
Alani Morse (Raglan)
Brissa Canina (Coolum)
Poppy Arkle (Piha)
Reserve: Lola Groube (Pauanui)
The ISA World Junior Championships have historically launched the careers of several world-class surfers, including Olympic gold medallists and current WSL Championship Tour contenders.
With surfing gaining global prominence ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Surfing New Zealand views this junior team as a vital component of its high-performance development pathway.
“These young athletes are more than just surfers — they are ambassadors of New Zealand’s surf culture and spirit,” said Surfing New Zealand CEO Ben Kennings. “They represent the future of Kiwi surfing and embody the resilience, humility, and determination that define our nation. It’s a proud moment for our surf community, their whānau, and our national programme.”
In preparation for the world championships, the team will participate in performance workshops and development sessions designed to enhance their physical, mental, and cultural readiness for international competition.
The selected squad reflects the depth of surfing talent across New Zealand, with representatives from Dunedin, Mount Maunganui, Raglan, Auckland, Pauanui, and Piha. This diverse geographic representation highlights the strength of grassroots programs and coaching networks nurturing junior surfers nationwide.
The International Surfing Association will confirm the official location and dates of the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in the coming months.
