For immediate release
From: Surfing New Zealand
Sport: Surfing
Event: Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro
Dates: 3-4 May 2025
Location: Makorori Beach (Redbus), Gisborne
Websites: Surfing New Zealand
Gisborne Gears Up for Final Junior Surf Showdown at the Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro
The Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro is set to fire up the East Coast with its fourth consecutive year of thrilling grommet surf action at the iconic Makorori Beach (Redbus). As the final event on the New Zealand Junior Surf Series calendar, this highly anticipated competition marks the last opportunity for the country’s top junior surfers to earn crucial ranking points for the NZ Grom Series
Held over the weekend of 3-4th May the event will bring together the nation’s most talented young surfers from Ahipara to Dunedin, all battling it out in the Under 14, Under 16, and Under 18 divisions. The Gisborne Junior Pro not only crowns division champions but plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Aotearoa’s competitive surfing scene.
The event is usually set against the stunning backdrop of Makorori Beach, renowned for its long peeling right-handers and powerful beach breaks, the competition takes full advantage of Gisborne’s consistent autumn surf. May typically delivers a cocktail of offshore westerlies and clean groundswells — perfect for pushing junior surfers to perform at their peak.
However, with winter creeping closer, South Pacific storm systems are starting to send more frequent swells up the coast. According to the current forecast, Saturday and Sunday may prove challenging with strong crosshore winds, accompanied by a heavier, junky South swell and stronger winds.
The changing conditions will really test the groms’ adaptability and grit however with safety at the forefront of Surfing New Zealand events, participants should be ready to travel, possibly up the coast to a more sheltered option.
What sets the Gisborne Junior Pro apart is its combination of grassroots community energy and professional-level competition. This year’s comp is once again proudly presented by Sequence Surf Shop — a cornerstone of the Gisborne surf community — alongside key supporters Creatures of Leisure, Sex Wax, the Gisborne Boardriders, East Coast Boardriders and the Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT).
With local pride on the line and national rankings up for grabs, competitors will be throwing everything they’ve got at the judging criteria. And with the return of the Biggest Manoeuvre Award, the stakes are even higher for those who want to push the envelope.
Sponsored by Sequence Surf Shop, the award gives $100 cash to one standout surfer from each division who goes big — whether that’s a massive air, a critical turn, or a radical combo. “It’s not just about playing it safe,” says Sequence Surf Shop owner Blair Stewart “We want to see who’s really willing to push their surfing to the next level.”
This year, the Gisborne Junior Pro is also proud to support the next generation of local surfers through the release of a limited-edition event T-shirt. Designed by a local artist and available for purchase throughout the event, all proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go towards funding the Gisborne Scholastic Surf Team as they prepare to compete at the Taranaki Scholastics in October.
As a vital leg of the wider New Zealand Grom Series — which includes the iconic Billabong Grom Series and the South Island’s Connect Group Grom Series — the Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro is an essential proving ground for young athletes looking to make their mark.
Beyond the competition, the Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro is a celebration of surf culture, community, and the raw energy of youth. Spectators are encouraged to head down to Makorori Beach from 8:00am to 5:00pm each day to cheer on the surfers, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy giveaways, and good vibes.
Further Information
For further information on the 2025 Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro, please contact Surfing New Zealand’s Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
Imagery
High-resolution images will be available to media upon request.
Images will be distributed free of charge courtesy of New Zealand Surfing Magazine.
Please contact Ben Kennings for further details.
Event Details
The draw and results can be viewed at www.Liveheats.com/SurfingNewZealand.
Follow the event
Follow the action via social media @surfingnz across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
Surfing New Zealand is proudly partnered by:
Sport NZ
ACC
NZ Community Trust
Sun Bum
OSM
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