MEDIA RELEASE
From: Surfing New Zealand
Sport: International Surfing
Event: 2025 ISA World Surfing Games, El Salvador
Divisions: Open Men and Open Women
Date: 5 – 14 September 2025
Location: El Salvador
Websites: Surfing New Zealand | ISA
Final Countdown Begins for New Zealand’s Rising Surf Stars
With less than a few weeks to go until the world’s top surfers descend on El Salvador, the New Zealand Open Surfing Team is sharpening their focus ahead of the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games. The youthful Kiwi squad – one of the youngest ever selected – recently wrapped up a high-performance training camp in Piha, building critical momentum ahead of their international campaign.
Held from 5–14 September, the Games will bring together over 50 countries for the pinnacle of team surfing. For New Zealand’s rising surf stars, it’s a chance to gain valuable experience, test themselves on the world stage, and take on two of Central America’s most iconic waves: La Bocana and El Sunzal.
2025 New Zealand Open Surfing Team
Open Men
- Theo Morse (Raglan)
- Will Hardie (Piha)
- Christian Fougere (Piha)
Open Women
- Ariana Shewry (Ōakura, Taranaki) – replacing Ava Henderson (Christchurch), ruled out due to injury
- Alani Morse (Raglan)
- Lola Groube (Pauanui)
The team’s recent weekend in Piha was more than just a tune-up it was a critical chance to align strategies, surf together under pressure, and build the team culture that will carry them through the intense international competition. Under the guidance of Surfing New Zealand’s coaching and support crew, the surfers focused on heat drills, wave selection, and adapting to the types of long, running waves they’ll face in El Salvador.
“Training together in Piha was huge for team chemistry,” said team coach Jemarl Paerata “It gave us time to refine our approach, simulate heat scenarios, and prepare mentally and physically for what’s coming.”
The Games will be held at La Bocana and El Sunzal, two world-class point breaks on El Salvador’s Pacific coast. La Bocana offers powerful left-hand peaks with multiple scoring sections, while El Sunzal serves up long, right-hand walls – a perfect canvas for flowing rail work and strategy-based surfing.
For the young Kiwis, these waves present both opportunity and challenge. Many of the team members are stepping onto this stage for the first time, but their technical skills and adaptability will be key assets in handling unfamiliar conditions and elite-level opposition.
“It’s going to be a steep learning curve, but that’s exactly what these surfers need,” said Lee Ryan Surfing New Zealand Development Manager. “They’ve earned this opportunity, and competing in these types of waves will only accelerate their growth.”
Although the 2025 Games are not an Olympic qualifier, the event plays a crucial role in international rankings and athlete development as the surfing world shifts its gaze toward Los Angeles 2028.
Several of the Kiwi team members including siblings Theo and Alani Morse have already made their mark in junior and Pro Junior events. Now, the focus shifts to making an impact in the Open division and using this international exposure as a springboard to future success.
With bags nearly packed and minds locked in, the team will depart for El Salvador in early September, giving themselves time to acclimate and dial in their surfing ahead of competition.
“We’re heading over there to compete, not just participate,” said Ryan. “This group has the talent, the drive, and the support to push themselves and represent Aotearoa with mana.
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 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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