1/10/2025
Elimination Rounds continue in Testing Fitzroy Conditions
Day three of the 2025 National Scholastic Surfing Championships dawned grey and stormy, with Fitzroy Beach serving up solid three-foot surf under strong onshore winds, rain, and a moody sky. The rugged conditions created a true test of determination as the second day of eliminations got underway with a 7:30am start.
The groms rose to the challenge, knowing that every heat now carried the weight of survival. Despite the testing weather, standout performances and clutch heat wins highlighted a dramatic day of competition.
The requalification rounds opened with the Under 18 Girls, where Auckland’s Ruby Milne showed composure and technical skill in the messy surf. She advanced confidently to the quarterfinals, joined by Northland’s Pipi Flintoff, who handled the pressure of elimination with good wave selection.
Further through the Under 18 Girls, Lani Frazerhurst put together one of the day’s strongest heat totals with a 6.00 and 4.77, topping Ariana Walker of Bay of Plenty, who advanced in second. Unfortunately, the campaign ended for West Coast surfer Lenka Cargill, who bowed out in third place after a strong showing across the earlier rounds.
Gloomy conditions didn’t put a damper on day 3 Photo: Theo Morse
The Under 14 Boys requalification heats provided some of the day’s most exciting action. Levi Gruebner of Northland delivered the division’s highest combined heat score so far, stamping authority on his heat and keeping his team’s hopes alive. Wellington’s Asher Marshall also progressed with an 8.47 total, while Hawke’s Bay’s Hugo Dooney exited the event.
In Heat 2 of the division, it was Hawke’s Bay’s turn to shine as Lote Shanley stayed busy, racking up scores across numerous rides. His persistence paid off with an 8.67 heat total, enough to edge out Otago’s Chris Jenks and Auckland’s Josh West.
The afternoon brought the Under 16 Boys Round 2, where the depth of talent across the country was on full display. Taranaki’s Kentaro Mitchell looked comfortable in his local waters, locking in a strong 13.90 total. In a nail-biting finish, Bay of Plenty’s Sol Fritchley advanced ahead of him with a narrow 13.70, leaving little room for error across the heat.
Heat 2 saw Waikato’s Xander Banks, and Taranaki’s Luca Zangirolami Ramsay, advance whilst in Heat 3 Bay of Plenty teammates Remy Sale and Zen Mouldey all secured their places in the Quarterfinal.
The final few heats of the round saw fireworks, as Gisborne pair Ollie Tong and Oska Gunness both progressed in style. They were joined by Zeke Pragert, who showcased relentless determination, maxing out his twelve-wave allowance and scoring two solid six-point rides to secure the win. Coromandel’s Koby Cox slotted into second to advance alongside him.
As the day wrapped up, Indica Knox Corcoran and Auckland’s Jesse Frazerhurst took the final 2 places to close proceedings, battling through the early afternoon gloom as the weather continued to push competitors.
With the swell forecast showing a shift, contest director Lee Ryan has made the call to relocate competition to Stent Road, with a revised start time to be confirmed. After three days of intense surfing at Fitzroy, the move promises a change of pace and a new canvas for the country’s top young surfers to continue their campaigns. As the event transitions to Stent Road, anticipation is high for more standout performances in excellent waves.
Team Bay Of Plenty braving the elements, Photo: Theo Morse
Day four will see the final requalifying round taking place as well as Quarter and Semi finals
The finals will be livestreamed on Maori+ on Friday from 8:40am https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe9aSgKeVh8
For more details on the 2025 National Scholastic Surfing Championships, please contact Dan Westerkamp at Surfing New Zealand on 021 0267 2292 or dan.westerkamp@surfingnz.co.nz.
High-resolution action images are available free to media on request.
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The 2025 National Scholastic Surfing Championships are sanctioned by Surfing New Zealand and Secondary School Sport NZ. The event is supported by the New Zealand Sports Collective, Whakaata Māori, Caltex, Bayleys, Apollo Projects and Nateva.
Surfing New Zealand is proudly partnered by Sport NZ, Sun Bum and OSM.
Ends