For immediate release
22nd June 2023
From: Surfing New Zealand
Sport: International Junior Surfing
Event: 2023 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship
Divisions: Under 18 and 16 Boys and Girls
Date: TBC
Kalani Louis: Image NZ Surfing Mag
Location: TBC
Websites: ISA World Juniors and Surfing New Zealand
New Zealand Junior Surfing Team Announcement
A frothing young team of surfers has been selected to represent New Zealand at the 2023 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.
A steppingstone into the world of top-level surfing, the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is the largest junior surfing event in the world playing host to over 340 surfers from 44 nations.
In 2023 New Zealand will send a full team of the best twelve athletes in the country to compete in the Under 18 Women, Under 18 Men, Under 16 Boys and Under 16 Girls divisions.
The New Zealand Junior Surfing Team has four surfers from 2022 team return. No stranger to the ISA event, Kalani Louis (Tara) will look to bring more experience to this year’s event surfing again in the Under 18 division. On his selection Louis commented, “I am stoked as on making the team again. Last year in El Salvador was so sick, loved every part of the trip so I am looking forward to competing in a new country this year travelling with friends and getting a chance to surf against the world’s best, super stoked.”
Spencer Rowson: Image NZ Surfing Mag
Spencer Rowson (Tara) makes another appearance after his domination in the NZ Grom Series. Surfing to a 33rd place finish in the Under 16 Division in El Salvador last year, he will look to better his placing in the hotly contested Under 18 Men’s Division. “I’m super excited to have made the New Zealand Junior Team for 2023. It’s been a goal going into this year’s domestic season, and a lot of hard work into making the team and I’m so happy that I’ve achieved my goal. I’m super excited to see where this year’s comp is going to be held, El Salvador was such an eye opener last year and I’m super excited to travel again, I hope to place better than I did last year and most importantly, have fun!
Finally, Navryn Malone of Raglan will make his debut after becoming the 2023 Under 18 Boys National Champion in a showstopping display of talent at Piha in January.
In the Under 18 Women’s Division Tayla Green (Australian based) will make her debut after her National Championship win whilst Anna Brock of Mount Maunganui enters the team for the first time as NZ Grom Series Champion. On selection for the New Zealand Team Anna commented, “I am feeling excited and grateful to finally get the chance to represent New Zealand! The ISA World Junior Championships was cancelled two years ago when I was selected and then last yea
Anna Brock & Tao Mouldey of Bay Boardriders .Photo by Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services
r, I was the reserve for the New Zealand Team, so it’s been a goal of mine for a few years, stoked for it to finally happen.”
Pia Rogers of Whangamata also makes a return to the team stepping into the Under 18 Women’s Division. “Yeah super super stoked to make the team, excited to go away with everyone and be a part of the junior team again she said on her selection. I had the most amazing time last year where the whole team learnt a lot off each other and from Matty (Scorringe) and Kahn (Butler). My goal for the juniors is to try make top 30 this year.” With her experience from the 2022 edition of the event, joining the seniors at the ISA World Surfing Games this year and heading to Bali in August for the ANOC Beach Games, she hopes to improve on her 37th finish.
In the Under 16 Boys Division, we see Tao Mouldey of Mount Maunganui return to the team again hoping to better his excellent 17th place finish in 2022. He will have two new teammates alongside him this year including Alexis Owen and Theo Morse. Dunedin’s Alexis Owen secured his place via a win at the National Championships and is looking forward to the opportunity. “I
Pia Rogers :Image ,NZ Surfing Mag
am super stoked on making the team, always been a dream to represent New Zealand, ever since I was young, just wanted to see myself on TV with the New Zealand flag, so this is going to be a great experience,” he added.
Raglan’s Theo Morse joins the team for the first time, “I’m super excited to have qualified for the New Zealand Junior Team. Stoked to have completed a bunch of my goals this year and now working hard on my skills and preparing new goals for competition on the world stage. I’m so extremely grateful for the incredible support from friends and family and the Raglan community, especially the Raglan Surfing Academy who are helping me to prepare for the event. I am looking forward to the whole experience and stoked to be sharing it with my little sister Alani,” he added.
Theo Morse of Raglan: image NZ Surfing Mag
Finally, we will see Leia Millar of Piha make a return to the team after an outstanding performance throughout the 2023 Grom Season. She looks to better her 22nd place finish at the 2022 ISA World Junior Championships whilst Alani Morse (Rag) and Lola Groube (Pau) make their debut on the team.
At just 12 years old Groube of Pauanui can’t wait to surf with some of the world’s best juniors. “I am super stoked to make the New Zealand Team” said an ecstatic Groube, “It was my goal at the start of the year, so I am looking forward to representing New Zealand. My goal is to make some heats and enjoy the experience and hopefully make it to the final.”
Alani Morse, who qualified for the team alongside her brother Theo also looks forward to the challenge ahead. “Personally, I’m feeling extremely blessed to be a part of the team and being able to represent New Zealand. I’m so excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”
“I am pumped to see the different cultures and being a part of an incredible event. I am also looking forward to travelling with my older brother Theo, stoked we can be together and share the experience which is super special”.
The last time New Zealand competed at the Championships was El Salvador in 2022
Alani Morse : Image NZ Surfing Mag
where the New Zealand Junior Team placed 13th.
As an IOC recognised event; New Zealand has been represented at ISA World Junior Championships since 2003 when the junior divisions were separated from the World Surfing Games. Prior to this time the New Zealand Junior Surfing Team attended the World Grommet Titles since its inception in 1989.
The ISA has yet to confirm a date or venue for this year’s event.
The 2023 New Zealand Junior Surfing Team is as follows:
Under 18 Men
Kalani Louis (Tara)
Navryn Malone (Rag)
Spencer Rowson (Tara)
Under 18 Women
Anna Brock (Mnt)
Pia Rogers (Wgm)
Tayla Green (Aus)
Under 16 Boys
Alexis Owen (Dun)
Tao Mouldey (Mnt)
Theo Morse (Auck)
Under 16 Girls
Alani Morse (Rag)
Leia Millar (Piha)
Lola Groube (Pau)
About International Surfing Association (ISA)
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding, SUP and surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964, and the Junior World Championships since 1980.
Further Information
For further information on the New Zealand Junior Surfing Team please contact Surfing New Zealand’s Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
Imagery
High resolution action images of team members will be available to media free of charge upon request.
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