Record Number of Groms Shine at Sticky Johnson Primary School Championships Presented By Skullcandy
The 2025 Sticky Johnson Primary School Championships presented by Skullcandy wrapped up on Sunday at Midway Beach, Gisborne, after two days of exciting competition showcasing Aotearoa’s youngest surfing talent. This year’s event attracted a record number of girls, particularly in the Year 6 & Below and Year 7 & 8 divisions, highlighting the growing participation and strength of girls’ junior surfing nationwide.
Saturday opened with clean 2–3ft waves, ideal for the groms to show off their speed, style, and manoeuvres. As the day progressed, an increase in swell and onshore winds added a challenge. On Sunday, surfers enjoyed fun 1–2ft glassy peaks, with forecast gale-force offshore winds failing to arrive.
In the Year 7 & 8 Girls, Jade Nias Phillips (Ahipara Boardriders) surfed with precision and confidence, taking out the title after a series of strong performances. Fresh off a win at the AIMS Games earlier this month, she has started the season in style. Summer Holmes (Bay Boardriders) placed second, with Millie Dyck placing 3rd and teammate Nami Marsden pushing hard to secure fourth.
In the Year 6 & Below Girls, Lexi Sanders (Bay Boardriders) impressed with maturity and wave selection to claim victory, while Summer Rose Hovell, Rosie Elliott, and Sieni Ryan all surfed consistently across their heats placing 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. Maeva Dyck received the Sticky Johnson Mini Charger Award for her determination and commitment throughout the event.
The Year 7 & 8 Boys division delivered fast-paced heats and high-quality surfing. Ffeon Clifford (Bay Boardriders) dominated by winning all five of his heats on the way to victory. East Coast Surfriders’ Waylon Lynch and Mac Crichton placed second and third respectively, while Jimmy Wernham (Point Boardriders) secured fourth after winning all his earlier heats. A standout moment came when Lenny Quinn (East Coast Surfriders) scored the Pit Viper Perfect 10 Award for a near-flawless ride in Round 3.
Arlo Scorringe Image courtesy of http://www.strikephotography.co.nz/
In the Year 6 & Below Boys, Arlo Scorringe (Bay Boardriders) impressed with excellent wave choice and control to take the win, with Bay Boardriders’ Cohen Gibsonplacing 3rd and East Coast’s Lenny Quinn 2nd. Fraser Brown (Oakura Boardriders) showed adaptability in the lineup placing 4th, while first-time competitors Kade and Kainoa (Matarangi) were recognised with the Little Legends Award for their enthusiasm and commitment.
The Bay Boardriders claimed the Top Club Prize, reflecting consistent performances across multiple divisions. All finalists received prize packs from Sticky Johnson, Pit Viper, and Skullcandy, with additional treats from local producers Kingbees Honey. Competitors also showed respect for each other and the environment by taking part in a beach clean-up, reinforcing Surfing New Zealand’s focus on values and community.
“We love seeing the next generation of surfers out there having fun,” said Steve Morpeth, owner of Sticky Johnson Surf Wax. “Supporting this event is our way of giving back to the groms and helping them grow their confidence and love for surfing.”
Bay Boardriders http://www.strikephotography.co.nz/
One parent added: “Our girls love this event. They started out anxious about competing, but it’s such a safe and supportive environment. They always have a great time, and now I bring a carload of girls down every year.”
The 2025 Sticky Johnson Primary School Championships emphasised participation, learning, and growth, with every competitor surfing multiple heats to build confidence and experience. The record number of girls entering this year highlighted the growing popularity of surfing among young females, reinforcing the event’s role in fostering inclusion and empowerment. Beyond competition, the event also provided opportunities for family involvement, mentoring from coaches, and community connection, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Surfing New Zealand’s development pathway.
For more information, please contact Ben Kennings at Surfing New Zealand on 021 227 8732 or benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
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