Written by Ben Kennings, Surfing NZ, Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Surfing New Zealand has today (15th March 2011) announced a team of twelve surfers to represent New Zealand at the 2011 Quiksilver ISA World Surfing Championship which takes place in Peru during May 2011.
The Rip Curl New Zealand Junior Surfing Team includes surfers from six regions throughout New Zealand with the small surf town of Whangamata providing three surfers, Northland, Auckland, Raglan, Gisborne all providing two surfers a piece with one representative from Mount Maunganui.
The team also has an interesting component of naming two sets of siblings, the Moretti brothers from the remote Northland location of Mimiwhangata and the brother sister Poulter combination of Alexis and Ben.
Three non travelling reserves have also been named – the surfers coming from Hawkes Bay, Taranaki and Gisborne.
The team includes three new caps in Ella Williams (WGM), Dune Kennings (WGM) and Paul Moretti (Mimiwhangata).
The remainder of the squad combines for thirteen appearances at the ISA World Junior Championship, Alexis Poulter being the most capped having attended the prestigious event on four previous occasions.
“This is an experienced team of surfers and despite their young age, they know what to expect at an international level” commented Team Coach Michael Fitzharris who added “Making this team is the start of the campaign, the hard work starts now.”
After a lengthy lead in to the naming of the team that comprised training camps, weekly communication with surfers and a number of national events, the twelve surfers now have stage two of preparations to look forward to. These include further training camps for the surfers as well as fundraising to help pay their way to South America for the trip of a lifetime.
Surfing New Zealand Executive Officer Greg Townsend praised high level of ability within the initial squad of surfers adding “the selection of surfers in all divisions was very close. We look forward to seeing some excellent results from the selected surfers when they compete in Peru in just over two months time.”
Several national and international events also take place between now and May when the team departs for Peru.
Key dates:
18th – 19th April – Team Training Camp, Venue TBC
21st – 29th May – 2011 Quiksilver ISA World Surfing Championship, Peru
The New Zealand Junior Surfing Team is as follows:
Under 18 Boys
Ben Poulter (Rag)
Joe Moretti (Mimiwhangata)
Tane Wallis (Piha)
Todd Doyle (Mnt)
Non travelling reserve – Tyler Lawson (H Bay)
Under 18 Girls
Alexis Poulter (Rag)
Ella Williams (WGM)
Grace Spiers (WGM)
Sarah Mason (Gis)
Non travelling reserve – Jayda Martin – Fitzharris (Gis)
Under 16 Boys
Adam Grimson (Gis)
Dune Kennings (WGM)
Elliot Paerata – Reid (Piha)
Paul Moretti (Mimiwhangata)
Non travelling reserve – Sean Kettle (Tara)
Team Manager: Lee Ryan (Mnt)
Team Coach: Michael Fitzharris (Gis)
Team Assistant Manager/Coach: Anna Jolly (Auck)
The World Junior Surfing Championships is an annual event having been held since 2003. New Zealand has competed at the event since its inception as well as competing at the World Grommet Titles as it was formerly known since 1989. New Zealand has been one of the top nations at each event with Jay Quinn (Gis) securing New Zealand’s first World Championship in the Under 18 Men’s division in 2001. In 2010 the New Zealand team placed seventh at the event when it was held in New Zealand for the first time in the events history.
Prior to the main event the team will face off in Peru with South Africa to contest the annually run ‘SANZ’ Trophy held between the two teams. South Africa currently holds the trophy after winning it in 2010 at Piha. The two teams will fine tune their competitive strategies only days out from the main event. The unique trophy that is up for grabs is made out of a solid pounamu base with paua inlay and a surfboard made out of South African hardwood.
Further Information
For further information on the New Zealand Junior Surfing Team please contact Surfing New Zealand’s Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.