From: Surfing New Zealand
Sport: International Surfing
Event: 2025 ISA World Surfing Games, El Salvador
Divisions: Open Men and Open Women
Date: 5 September – 14 September 2025
Location: El Salvador
Websites: Surfing New Zealand and ISA
Surfing New Zealand Announces Youthful Open Team for 2025 ISA World Surfing Games
Rising Stars Set to Represent Aotearoa in El Salvador
Surfing New Zealand is proud to announce the official selection of the 2025 New Zealand Open Surfing Team, a bold, youthful squad brimming with emerging talent and competitive promise. The team will represent Aotearoa at the ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador, taking place from 5–14 September 2025.
This year’s team marks a new era for New Zealand surfing, featuring some of the nation’s most exciting up-and-coming surfers who have proven their readiness to compete against the world’s best. With the majority of the team in their teens or early twenties, the squad reflects the energy and talent of a new generation rising through the ranks.
Competing at La Bocana and El Sunzal, two of Central America’s most iconic point breaks, these six young surfers will wear the silver fern with pride and determination.
2025 New Zealand Open Surfing Team
Open Men
- Theo Morse (Raglan)
- Will Hardie (Piha)
- Christian Fougere (Piha)
Open Women
- Ava Henderson (Christchurch)
- Alani Morse (Raglan)
- Lola Groube (Pauanui)
The 2025 team is one of the youngest Open teams Surfing New Zealand has ever fielded at the ISA World Surfing Games. This selection speaks to the depth of New Zealand’s junior development system and the rapid progress of these athletes on both national and international stages.
Theo Morse, competing in the senior team for the first time, has already made waves on the international stage with his polished rail work and smooth, confident style. The Raglan-based natural-footer is regarded as one of the most technically refined young surfers in the country and is expected to thrive in El Salvador’s long, peeling point breaks.
Will Hardie, from Piha, brings explosive energy and tactical maturity well beyond his years. With power and strong heat awareness, Will has been a consistent presence on national podiums and is poised to make his mark internationally.
Christian Fougere, also from Piha, represents the future of New Zealand surfing. His aggressive vertical style and intuitive wave reading have propelled him through the junior and Open divisions with impressive momentum.
On the women’s side, Ava Henderson continues to lead the way for young Kiwi surfers on the world stage. A former ISA World Junior Champion, Ava has already built a résumé of international experience despite her youth. Known for her high-performance approach and competitive grit, she will be one of New Zealand’s key medal hopes in El Salvador.
Alani Morse, another rising talent from Raglan and sister to Theo, joins the team after a breakout season in both national and Pro Junior events. Her dynamic, modern approach developing aerial game and solid fundamentals make her one of the most exciting young surfers in the country.
Lola Groube, from Pauanui in the Coromandel, completes the women’s squad. Her fearless surfing and flawless turns, have made her a standout in national competitions. Lola brings fresh energy and raw potential to the team.
While the 2025 team may be youthful, New Zealand’s legacy at the ISA World Surfing Games is a long and proud one. Kiwi surfers have competed in the event since the 1960s, consistently representing Aotearoa with pride, passion, and mana.
At the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico, New Zealand placed 18th overall in a field of more than 50 countries. Building on that experience, this year’s youthful team is focused on climbing the ranks and gaining critical exposure on the global stage.
“This is one of the youngest Open teams we’ve selected in recent history,” said Ben Kennings, CEO of Surfing New Zealand. “It’s exciting to see such a talented wave of young athletes stepping up. They’ve earned their places and now have the chance to test themselves against the world’s best. This is not just about 2025—it’s about building for the future.”
Although the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games will not count toward Olympic qualification, the event plays a vital role in global rankings and athlete development, especially with Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon.
With surfing’s Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 and a spectacular return at Paris 2024 (Teahupo’o, Tahiti), the ISA World Surfing Games remain the highest-profile team surfing event in the world, offering valuable international experience and exposure.
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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