For immediate release
4/05/2025
From: Surfing New Zealand
Sport: Surfing
Event: Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro
Dates: 3-4 May 2025
Location: Kaiaua, East Cape Gisborne
Websites: Surfing New Zealand
Rising Stars Shine at the Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro
Theo Morse (Raglan) and Ariana Walker (Mnt) have claimed top honours in the Under 18 Boys and Girls Division at the 2025 Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro, capping off two days of exceptional competition and showcasing some of New Zealand’s best junior surfing talent.
The prestigious junior event, held over the weekend at Kaiaua Bay on the East Cape, saw outstanding performances across all divisions, with surfers from around the country turning up the heat in clean, contestable 2–4ft conditions turning to choppy sideshore in the afternoon. With solid swell, moments of sunshine, and strong community support, the event delivered memorable performances in every heat.
Sunday morning got underway in textbook conditions with glassy, shoulder-high waves rolling into Kaiaua Bay. The Under 14 Boys were first to hit the water, setting the tone for a high-performance day. Louis Macquet opened strong, dispatching his competition with sharp turns and confident wave selection. In Heat 2, Jaxon Pardoe impressed with a powerful single wave scoring an 8.5, the highest of the round, earning him the $100 cash prize for the biggest manoeuvre of the division.
Ffeon Clifford (Mount Maunganui) and London Cockerill (Taranaki) also powered through the early rounds, advancing to what would become a tightly contested final. In the end, Clifford held his nerve to secure the win, with Cockerill finishing runner-up. Louis Macquet claimed third, and Jaxon Pardoe rounded out the final in fourth.
The Under 14 Girls showed resilience and skill in the afternoon’s choppier conditions. Hawke’s Bay’s Scarlett Gray delivered a poised and technical performance to take the win, staying composed through the bigger sets. Nami Marsden surfed strongly to earn second place, while local standout Madeline Smith claimed the $100 biggest manoeuvre prize and secured a well-deserved third-place finish. Alba Clifford (Mount Maunganui) completed the final in fourth.
Kyra Wallis was the undeniable standout in the Under 16 Girls, opening with a near-perfect 8.33 ride early in the day. Linking critical turns and finishing with a powerful forehand snap in a heavy section, she earned the division’s $100 biggest manoeuvre prize. Wallis maintained her form throughout the event, powering through to win the final over Indi-Lee Ruddell (2nd), Alani Morse (3rd), and Brooke Mathews (4th), cementing her status as a serious talent to watch.
The Under 16 Boys division was one of the most competitive of the weekend, with explosive surfing across both days. After a high-scoring semifinal in which Remy Sale posted a 16.00 heat total—including a powerful layback and a big closeout combo scoring a 9.00 to earn the $100 cash prize for biggest manoeuvre—the stage was set for a thrilling final.
While the final began slowly, Sol Fritchley found rhythm midway through the heat with a stylish left-hander, executing two explosive turns to score a 6.83 and set the pace. Indica Corcoran answered back with a strong ride, keeping the pressure on. In the dying moments of the heat, Fritchley paddled into another wave, landing a critical 5-point ride that pushed him into the lead and secured him the title.
“It was pretty tricky out there—it actually picked up heaps and to be honest, at one point I didn’t think I was gonna get out,” said an elated Sol Fritchley after the win. “I just had to paddle hard and eventually got out. The conditions made it hard to hear; I knew I needed a score but didn’t know how much, so I just stayed calm and surfed—and I got the score. I’m stoked!”
The final standings saw Fritchley take the win, with Indica Corcoran in second, Remy Sale in third, and Kentaro Mitchell finishing fourth.
As conditions became more challenging late in the day, the Under 18 Girls rose to the occasion. Ariana Walker (Mount Maunganui) and Lenka Cargill advanced through the semifinals with powerful, committed surfing, eliminating local favourite Te Waioutu Fairlie.
In the second semi, Sage Fritchley (Mount Maunganui) and Grace Gundry (Northland) made the most of their opportunities to secure places in the final, while India Kennings was unlucky not to advance after struggling in the chunky afternoon waves.
In a thrilling final, Ariana Walker pulled together a consistent heat, executing clean turns and holding composure under pressure to take the win. Sage Fritchley, 3rd Lenka Cargill, and Grace Gundry 4th completed a strong final that showcased the depth of female surfing talent in the country.
Rounding out the weekend, the Under 18 Boys took to the water with raw power and polished style. The division delivered some of the most explosive surfing of the event. Christian Fougere earned the $100 biggest manoeuvre prize for an early-morning critical closeout hack.
The final was packed with high-energy performances, with Theo Morse (Raglan) taking the title through dynamic, high-impact surfing. Tao Mouldey finished a close second wrapping up his junior surfing career in style, finishing with an impressive 38 comp wins. Zade Pitkethly and Taimana Marupo filled out the podium in third and fourth.
The Sequence Surf Shop Gisborne Junior Pro continues to be a cornerstone for youth surfing in Aotearoa, providing young athletes with vital competitive experience and the chance to shine on a national stage. The event is proudly presented by Sequence Surf Shop, with support from Creatures of Leisure, Sex Wax, Gisborne Boardriders, East Coast Boardriders, and the Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT).
Their combined investment in grassroots surfing not only makes these events possible but helps foster the next generation of New Zealand surfing champions.
For more information, live scores, and updates, visit www.liveheats.com/surfingnewzealand.
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.
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Surfing New Zealand is proudly partnered by:
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Ends
