Australian Surfers Dominate WSL World Junior Championships in La Union
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Australian surfers Isla Huppatz and Dane Henry completed a clean sweep for their nation at the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) World Junior Championships Philippines. The prestigious under-20 event, presented by Purefoods and Magnolia, unfolded at Urbiztondo Beach in La Union, where competitors faced not only a formidable international field but also the unpredictable challenges of the local surf conditions.
Tricky Waves Test Junior Surfers on Final Day
The championship culminated on a tense Sunday, with Urbiztondo Beach presenting inconsistent one-to-two-foot swells that demanded smart wave selection and exceptional small-wave skills from all participants. This tricky environment added an extra layer of difficulty to the competition, testing the adaptability and precision of the young surfers as they vied for the coveted titles.
Huppatz Claims Victory Over Fellow Australian
Isla Huppatz, the 18-year-old reigning Australia/Oceania titlist, expressed disbelief after her triumph, stating, "I can't believe it, to be honest, this is crazy." In the women's final, she defeated fellow Australian Sierra Kerr, the 2023 world junior champion, with a score of 12.67 points against Kerr's 12.17. Kerr's performance was particularly notable given her recent six-month hiatus from surfing due to infections from tick bites, making her comeback effort all the more impressive.
Henry Secures Career-Defining Win
On the men's side, Dane Henry captured the biggest victory of his career, earning 13.67 points to outpace Israel's Nadav Attar, who scored 11.40. Reflecting on his achievement from the epicenter in San Juan, La Union, Henry remarked, "It's been a massive week, it feels like I've been here for about a month." He extended heartfelt thanks to his coach, Adam Dufner, crediting their decade-long training partnership as instrumental to his success.
Event Supported by Key Philippine Organizations
The championships received significant backing from local entities, including the Philippines Sports Commission, SMC Infrastructure Inc., and BMEG/Nutrichunks. This support underscored the event's importance in promoting surfing as a competitive sport within the region and providing a platform for emerging talents to shine on the global stage.
La Union International Pro Attracts Global Field
Following the junior championships, the La Union International Pro kicked off on Tuesday, also at Urbiztondo Beach. This longboard qualifying event drew one of the largest international fields in WSL history, offering a direct pathway to the 2026 WSL Longboard Tour. The transition from junior to professional competition highlighted the event's role in nurturing the next generation of surfing stars.
Local and International Surfers Shine in Pro Event
John Bryan Martinez, a 21-year-old La Union local, led the Philippine campaign in the La Union International Pro with an impressive heat total of 11.34, including a standout score of 6.67 in the men's round of 72. Martinez expressed his excitement, saying, "I'm so happy because it's my first time competing in the WSL. I was really stoked to surf in this heat with my friends. We surf together every day." He advanced alongside compatriots Danilo Fontanilla, Jeiru Zen Aribuabo, and Marvin Abat, joining 14 other Filipinos in the round of 64.
Veteran Surfer Returns with Excellent Score
In the women's division, longboard tour veteran Maria Fernanda Reyes of Peru made a triumphant return to WSL competition after a year-long absence. The 28-year-old Pan American Games gold medalist posted the first excellent score of 8.17 in a stacked round of 48, besting competitors from New Zealand, the United States, and the Philippines. Reyes praised the venue, noting, "It's a really beautiful beach, the waves are fun. It's my first time here, and I'm here with my husband and my best friends. The people are super nice, great vibes."
Newcomer Advances in Competitive Field
Also making waves in the pro event was Ambre Victoire Damestoy of France, a first-time WSL competitor who eliminated seasoned longboard tour veterans Kaitlin Mikkelsen of the USA and Kirra Molnar of Australia. Her advancement highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of the sport, where newcomers can quickly make their mark against established athletes.
Future Prospects for Champions
As a result of their victories, Huppatz and Henry have secured valuable positions for their debut season on the Challenger Series in 2026, setting the stage for their continued ascent in professional surfing. Their success at the World Junior Championships not only celebrates their individual achievements but also reinforces Australia's dominance in the sport at the youth level.
