The 2010 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship continued to roll on today, January 25, with blue skies and clean conditions served up for a mixed bag of international talent in Piha, New Zealand.
The world’s hottest up-and-coming surfers utilized their full competition repertoires, blending rail-to-rail carves, with new-age, fins-free moves and an innovative aerial game in the fun 3 to 5ft (1.5m) beach break conditions on offer.
Raglan ripper Ben Poulter is the sole New Zealand boy surfer remaining in the main event round after squeezing through his third round Under 16 Boys heat this morning.
In a low scoring affair, Poulter hit back late in the 20-minute exchange, nailing a 6.50 to progress in second place behind Tahiti’s Tefaafana Arihoe. He was forced to hold off Hawaiian Kain Daly in the dying minutes of the heat, with the pair stuck in a paddle-battle until the final siren sounded.
“I’m so stoked,” said Poulter. “I was so relieved to get through the heat.” It was pretty intense for the last six or 7 minutes. But I had to do it. I felt pretty bad, but I’m so stoked to get through.”
Fellow New Zealand surfer Johnny Hicks (Gisborne) continued to fly the flag for the host nation, tasting victory in his Under 18 Boys Repercharge Round 3 heat.
Hicks was on fire from the outset, grabbing a 9.00 and backed it up with a 6.75 to defeat South Africa’s Davey Brand and Australia’s Wade Carmichael, who became the second Aussie eliminated of the event.
“It’s the best heat I’ve had all contest,” said Hicks. “It felt like everyone was cheering for me. It felt unreal.”
Japan ace Hiroti Arai did his nation proud taking down USA surfer Parker Coffin and Australia’s Creed McTaggart in the last heat of the Under 16 Boys Main Event Round 3 heat. “I’m trying my best as a Japanese representative,” said Arai. “I got one good wave and made it count. I’m very happy.”
Press Release: Quicksilver ISA World Junior Championship