Australia, the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Team Champion, holding the ISA World Junior Team Champion Trophy. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

Team Hawaii takes three Gold Medals:  Josh Moniz (Boys Under-18), Tatiana Weston-Webb (Girls Under-18), Mahina Maeda (Girls Under-16).  Australia’s Jacob Wilcox wins Boys Under-16.

Following an amazing Final Day of great waves and exciting surfing performances, the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Presented by Billabong officially closed.

Team Australia is the new ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Gold Medal Team and winners of the Team Champion Trophy.

In the individual divisions, Hawaii’s Josh Moniz won the Boys Under-18, Hawaii’s Tatiana Weston-Webb won the Girls Under-18, Australia’s Jacob Wilcox won the Boys Under-16, and Hawaii’s Mahina Maeda won the Girls Under-16 in the incredible waves at Playa Jiquiliste.

“This is the end of an amazing World Championship. It’s a happy and sad end. We are very happy because it was a very successful event, but it’s sad because it means we have to leave Nicaragua,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “We have confirmed what we discovered last year, a surfing paradise. It was in our dreams, a small nation in Central America full of waves, offshore winds, good people and very accessible. Nicaragua has been so good, that all of us, the 500 people that came for the event, will continue to come back here and tell the rest of the world about it.”

Aguerre continued, “On that note, I’m very happy to announce that the 2014 World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship, will be held in Nicaragua in the ocean that gave us all these great waves, and also in their beautiful Lake Nicaragua.”

After a week full of excellent waves and conditions, the final day did not disappoint. The surf was in the waist to chest-high range with perfect offshore winds all day long, providing great waves for the surfers to perform at their highest level.

Jiquilist beach from the air. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

The first final in the water was the Girls Under-16, where Hawaii’s Mahina Maeda, posted the best total heat score of the whole event, 19.16, earning the Gold Medal and World Championship.

“I got a six and a five in the beginning of the heat. I got a great start and I was leading the whole heat, it was a great feeling,” said the new Girls Under-16 World Champion. “I knew that I needed a bigger score to build up my heat total. I know these girls are capable of getting big scores. I had the confidence in me, so I came from behind, didn’t hassle with anybody, and got the scores I needed. I’m really proud of myself.”

Mahina Maeda from Team Hawaii. Photo: Michael Tweddle

The Silver Medal went to Tahiti’s Karelle Poppke (13.27), the Bronze to Hwaii’s Dax McGill (10.57) and the Copper to USA’s Frankie Harrer (4.86).

Up next was the Boys Under-16 Grand Final. Australia’s Jacob Wilcox won the Gold, earning 14.90 points, in a very close final against Silver Medalist Leonardo Fioravanti (14.73) from Italy. The Bronze went to Jake Marshall (12.20) from USA and the Copper to Reo Inaba (11.76) from Japan.

“It was a really tight heat,” said the new Boys Under-16 World Champion. “I got a 6.5 on my first wave, then Leonardo (Fioravanti) got an 8, so the pressure was back on me. I needed to get an 8 also. I’m just so happy to win the Final and be a World Champion. It’s been my dream since I was a little kid. I’m so happy. I don’t even know how to describe how I feel now. I’m just so happy, feels like I’m floating. This is my second year competing in a ISA event, and it means a lot to be able to represent my country, Australia.”

Jacob Wilcox from Team Australia. Photo: Michael Tweddle

Hawaii’s Tatiana Weston-Webb, continued her dominance, as demonstrated all week, into the Girls Under-18 Final. With another great performance, Weston-Webb won the Gold Medal.

All the individual Gold Medalists (from left to right): Hawaii’s Mahina Maeda (Girls Under-16), Australia’s Jacob Wilcox (Boys Under-16), Hawaii’s Josh Moniz (Boys Under-18), and Hawaii’s Tatiana Weston-Webb (Girls Under-18). Photos: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

“Getting the gold here in Nicaragua this year means so much to me; I wanted it so bad,” said the new Girls Under-18 World Champion. “It has been my goal for a really long time, I’m super happy. It was a really long and hard week. Our team stayed focused on being a family during the whole contest, and I think that was our advantage. I’m really psyched to have a Gold Medal; I don’t have any words to describe it.”

Tatiana Weston from Team Hawaii. Photo: Michael Tweddle

The Hawaiian, earning 15.50, defeated Silver Medalist Stephanie Single (AUS,12.10), Bronze Medalist Nikki Veisins (USA, 11.07) and Copper Medalist Chelsea Tuach (BAR, 9.17).

In the Boys Under-18 Final, Hawaii’s Josh Moniz won the Gold after posting two big scores at the beginning of the Final, a 7.00 and 7.43, for a total of 14.43. Australia’s Soli Bailey followed closely, but couldn’t find a wave to advance over Moniz, earning 14.40 and the Silver Medal.

“I was nervous, and I got my two scores in the first five minutes,” said the new Boys Under-18 World Champion. “I thought that Soli was in the lead because he had an 8 and a 6, so I thought that I still needed a big score, but once I heard that I was winning I was watching out for Soli, because he’s a super good surfer. I think he got a six on another wave. I got lucky enough and I won.”

Josh Muniz from Team Hawaii. Photo: Michael Tweddle

Andy Criere, from France, won the Bronze Medal, finishing third with 10.84 and Australia’s Luke Hynd won the Copper Medal placing fourth with 5.70.

The last event of the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship was the exciting ISA Aloha Cup, a tag-team competition, with the participation of the 7 best countries from last year’s ISA World Junior Surfing Championship (Australia, Brazil, France, Hawaii, Japan, Peru and USA) along with the local team, Nicaragua.

It is important to note that Nicaragua was fielding its first ever Junior Team in ISA competition.

After two semifinals where four of the eight teams advance, the Grand Final featured Australia, Japan, Peru and USA. Team Japan won the Gold Medal exhibiting a smart strategy and displaying high-level surfing skills. Japan defeated USA (Silver), Peru (Bronze) and Australia (Copper).

Two special events took place today. First was a presentation from the people of Tola, which is region that includes Playa Jiquiliste, to ISA President Aguerre. Community leaders gathered and delivered a special gift in appreciation of the ISA coming to their city. Part of the presentation was the telling of the traditional story called “La Novia de Tola” or “Tola’s Girlfriend,” which has turned into mythical story about a social scandal between a couple.

The second special event was the “Tola Groms Expression Session.” Team Nicaragua’s Captain, Jackson Obando, who was born and lives in Tola, surfed a 15-minute heat alongside four of Tola’s best young surfers. The local surfers put on a great show for the nearly fifteen hundred local spectators and competitors on the beach.

When the surfing competition concluded, the Closing Ceremony took place to officially close the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship and award the team trophies and individual medals.

Official Results:

Overall Team Results:
1. Australia- 24,256 points and Winner of the ISA World Junior Team Champion Trophy
2. Hawaii- 23,828, Silver Medal
3. USA- 18,870, Bronze Medal
4. France- 18,212, Copper Medal
5. Japan- 16,322
6. South Africa- 15,652
7. Peru- 15,316
8. Brazil- 15,300
9. New England- 12,532
10. Portugal- 12,310
11. Costa Rica- 12,232
12. Venezuela- 10,388
13. Germany- 10,312
14. UK- 9,580
15. Argentina- 9,578
16. Tahiti- 8,700
17. Uruguay- 8,408
18. Puerto Rico- 8,276
19. Ecuador- 8,108
20. Nicaragua- 7,648
21. Panama- 7,168
22. Chile- 6,764
23. El Salvador- 5,184
24. Switzerland- 4,180
25. Italy- 3,440
26. Jamaica- 3,328
27. Mexico- 2,320
28. Barbados- 1,340
29. Ireland- 960
30. Russia- 640

Boys Under-18:
Josh Moniz (HAW), Gold Medal
Soli Bailey (AUS), Silver Medal
Andy Criere (FRA), Bronze Medal
Luke Hynd (AUS), Copper Medal

Girls Under-18:
Tatiana Weston Webb (HAW), Gold Medal
Stephanie Single (AUS), Silver Medal
Nikki Veisins (USA), Bronze Medal
Chelsea Tuach (BAR), Copper Medal

Boys Under-16:
Jacob Wilcox (AUS), Gold Medal
Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Silver Medal
Jake Marshall (USA), Bronze Medal
Reo Inaba (JPN), Copper Medal

Girls Under-16:
Mahina Maeda (HAW), Gold Medal
Karelle Poppke (TAH), Silver Medal
Dax McGill (HAW), Bronze Medal
Frankie Harrer (USA), Copper Medal

ISA Aloha Cup:
Japan- 63.77, Gold Medal
USA- 60.73, Silver Medal
Peru- 51.55, Bronze Medal
Australia- 49.08, Copper Medal

For a full list of results visit: http://isawjsc.com/results/

For the full event coverage with daily videos and photo galleries visit- http://www.isawjsc.com/

Italy’s lone competitor, Leonardo Fioravanti has advanced to the Boys Under-16 Final, making history as the highest placing Italian surfer in an ISA World Championship. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

The Stage is Set for the Grand Finals of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Nicaragua

After a long and exciting week of excellent waves, performances and great vibes in Nicaragua’s Playa Jiquiliste, the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship culminates with the Grand Finals and the Aloha Cup.

All Medalists will be crowned and the Team Champion will be decided on Sunday.

Today was a crucial day for the overall team standings. Hawaii lost a few key surfers in Koa Smith, Kaoli Kahokuloa and Bailey Nagy, dropping down to second and giving way to Team Australia, which is now leading the rankings.

The surf, though it remained contestable, dropped in size and some rain moved in through the region resulting in challenging conditions. However, Surfline, the Official Forecaster, predicts the waves are expected to pick up overnight and be in the chest-high range with offshore winds for the Final Day of competition.

“We are one day away from crowning the Team Champion and all the Medalists,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Team Hawaii and Australia are leading the charge, but we have individuals from Italy, Japan, Germany, and Costa Rica who have made it this far. You can tell there are great surfers from all around the world and that’s the job of the ISA. I love doing what I do.”

Aguerre continued, “Right now we are taking surfing to Africa, Asia, we’ve done a very good job in Latin America, and we are even taking surfing to inland Europe. With the new wave pool that was just announced in Spain, we are going to take surfing everywhere.”

Today began with the Qualifying Final Rounds of the four divisions. The firsts medalists were decided in really intense and hard fought heats.

In the Under-18 Division, Luke Hynd (AUS) and Andy Criere (FRA) advanced to the Grand Final and are awaiting their rivals from the Repechage Final after tying with 13.44 each. Hynd advanced in first since he earned the highest scoring wave of the heat.

The Aussie and the Frenchman sent Soli Bailey (12.77), also from Australia, and Costa Rica’s Noe Mar McGonagle (12.23) to the elimination round, where they will get one more shot at making it into the Grand Final.

“I just wanted to get two good waves at the start because it’s really slow out there,” said Hynd. “Having my teammate, Soli out in the water, we tried to get us Aussies into the Final, and get the most points to win the Gold. He had a slightly slower start than me. I was lucky to get an 8.5 pretty close to the start of the Heat. Then, I tried to do what I’ve done in previous Heats, sit on the inside and let Soli get some waves. In one occasion I took off and I yelled at him to go! And he got it and it was his best ride, but unluckily he didn’t get a backup score, but he stills has another chance to get in the Grand Final so I think we’ll go well.”

In the Boys Under-16, Australia’s Jacob Wilcox and Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti made it to the Grand Final with scores of 13.76 and 13.23 respectively. They defeated Germany’s Leon Glatzer (11.23) and Rafael Venuto (9.47) from Brazil.

Rafeal Venuto from Team Brazil. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

This is the best individual result for Italy in an ISA World Championship.

“I’m stoked! I’ve been coming to ISA events for seven years now, since I was really young,” said Fioravanti. “This is my last year in the Under-16, and to make the final is a great result already. To take the Gold home would be amazing, for me, for Italy, for my family, my sponsors and for everyone. I feel great out there, the waves are really fun, I’m just enjoying Nicaragua, it’s such a beautiful place, it’s my first time here and it feels like home.”

Karelle Poppke from Tahiti was the best surfer in the Girl’s Under-16 Qualifying Final, earning 15.00, followed by Hawaii’s Mahina Maeda (13.10), USA’s Frankie Harrer (9.83) and last year’s defending champion, Hawaii’s Dax McGill (7.44).

Frankie Harrer from Team USA. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

“I ended up catching really good waves,” said Mahina Maeda. “I got a 7 and a 6, and I was trying to help Dax (McGill). I really wanted two Hawaiians in the Final. On one wave I went over the falls, and I hit my head with the board and buckled my board so hopefully we can fix it today. I want to surf with my magic board out there and win this whole thing.”

The Tahitian and Hawaiian advanced to the Grand Final where two more girls coming from Repechage will join them.

With powerful turns, Tahitian Karrel Poppke, advanced to the Girls Under-16 Final, where she will face Hawaii’s Mahina Maeda and two more girls that will come from the Repechage. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

In the Girls Under-18 Qualify Final, once again, Tatiana Weston-Webb had the best performance of the day. The Hawaiian earned 17.17 and advanced to the Grand Final along with Barbados’ Chelsea Tuach (14.00). They defeated Australia’s Kristen Ogden (12.97) and Brazil’s Larissa Santos (7.17).

In the Repechage Rounds, the best of the Boys division was Elliot Ivarra (FRA), who earned 15.00 to win Repechage 9 of the Under-18 Division. And in the Girls Repechage, Australia’s Isabella Nichols was the best earning 13.53 points in her Repechage 6 heat of the Under-16 division.

Isabella Nichols from Team Australia. Photo: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

The overall team standings going into the final day, when the order can change dramatically, are Australia (1st), Hawaii (2nd), USA (3rd), France (4th), Brazil (5th), Japan (6th), South Africa (7th), and Peru (8th).

Sunday will be a vital day that will decide all the Medalists, Team Champion and will also feature the two semifinals and Final of the ISA Aloha Cup, a tag-team relay competition featuring the top 7 finishing teams from last year’s World Junior Surfing Championship, plus the host country, Nicaragua. Each team is made up of 4 boys and 1 girl.

For a full list of today’s result and team standings, click here- http://isawjsc.com/results/

The 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship resumes Sunday at 7:40am with The Morning Show hosted by Chris Ernst, and with guests from Team Australia Luke Hynd, Hawaii’s Koa Smith and Kaoli Kahokuloa, and Costa Rica’s Noe Mar McGonalgle.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Main Podium:
Repechage Final Girls U-16
Repechage Final Boys U-16
Repechage Final Girls U-18
Repechage Final Boys U-18
Girls U-16 Final
Boys U-16 Final
Girls U-18 Final
Boys U-18 Final
The Story of Tola Special Presentation
Aloha Cup Semifinals
Tola Grom Expression Session
Aloha Cup Final
Closing Ceremony

The live webcast of the Final Day of the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is available on www.isawjsc.com

Here is the scheduled for the Final Day:
Sunday, 7:40am Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua
Sunday, 5:40am West Coast USA
Sunday, 2:40pm Western Europe
Sunday, 11:40pm Sydney, Australia

Germany’s Leon Glatzer put on an impressive performance punting a huge air and earning one of the highest scores of the day advancing to the Boys under-16 Qualifying Final. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Hawaii and Australia Lead the Pack while Germany, Costa Rica, and Italy Deliver Great Performances

Today was a critical day of competition at the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Presented by Billabong. After a day filled with Qualifying and Repechage heats, every heat is more important than ever. If one country loses one athlete, it can mean the end to their Gold Medal dreams.

The famous Nicaraguan offshore wind continued to blow all day, although the surf was a bit smaller in the 3-4ft range.

Big surprises came from Team Germany, Italy and Costa Rica as their athletes have advanced into the last stages of competition.

The ISA’s mission of developing surfing globally is flourishing as athletes from non-traditional surfing nations are earning their spots in the final days of competition.

“Intense action is taking place in these final days of competition,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The World Championship is reaching its most competitive stages, and the top surfers are shining big time. Saturday and Sunday are the final days, which include the Aloha Cup (team format competition) and the Grand Finals. I don’t want this championship to end, but it will end on Sunday, so log in and be part of this greatest junior surfing competition.

Aguerre continued, “We are enjoying our time in Nicaragua, a surfer’s a dreamland. If you dream of a surfing paradise, it is Nicaragua.”

The day began with Qualifying Heats in all four categories of the event, and finished with more elimination rounds in the Repechage.

Leonardo Fioravanti from Italy. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

Germany’s Leon Glatzer and Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti were the best surfers in the Boys Divisions. They competed in the Boys Under-16 and are now in the Qualifying Final, one step away from a Medal. In one of the day’s most exciting and highest scoring heats, Glatzer placed first earning 16.06 and Fioravanti in second, earning a 15.20 and sending to Repechage Imaikalani DeVault (HAW, 12.80) and Chris Zaffis (AUS, 12.70).

Glatzer and Fioravanti had a slow start, but in the last two minutes of the heat they had an explosive exchange of high scoring waves that changed the situation, and both Europeans managed to advance to the next round. This could be the best individual result at an ISA World Championship in ISA history for both nations.

“The waves and the competitors are really good, all of them surf incredible,” said the young German. “I got lucky when I got those last two waves. The first one came on a left, and was a closeout that I managed to pull an air. Then I saw Leonardo (the Italian), who took a wave like mine and pulled a huge air reverse, causing me to go back to third or fourth place. Then, I got the last wave that gave me the score to make it through. I’m really happy that Leo and I advanced; we are the last Europeans in the contest (Under-16). I want to thank my mom, my coach and all my sponsors.”

Also in the Boys Under-16 Qualifying Final are Brazil’s Rafael Venuto and Australia’s Jacob Wilcox. The top two placing surfers will advance to the Grand Final and the other two will drop to Repechage for one last chance at a medal.

In the Girls divisions, Tatiana Weston-Webb, from Hawaii, kept charging with full force towards the Grand Finals of the Under-18 category. With one of the highest scores of the day, 15.50, she defeated Larissa Santos (BRA, 8.73) and Josephine Costes (FRA, 7.87), who will now have to find their way to the Final through the Repechage.

Hawaii’s Tatiana Weston-Webb threading the barrel, was one of the standouts of the day advancing to the Girls under-18 Qualifying Final. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

Weston-Webb dominated the heat right from the start after posting 8.00 points on her first wave. That score kept her in the lead and sealed her victory with a 7.50 towards the end of the Heat.

“I just got lucky at the beginning with that first wave, a good left on my front side,” said Weston-Webb. “I’ve been surfing lefts all week, so I’m used to it. I just laid back and tried to relax, and got that wave. For the rest of the heat, not many waves came and towards the end I got that turn and I really didn’t believe it was a 7!”

Joining Weston-Web and Santos in the Girls Under-18 Qualifying Final are Barbados’ Chelsea Tuach and Australia’s Kristen Ogden. The top two placing surfers will advance to the Grand Final and the other two will drop to Repechage for one last chance at a medal.

The Boys Under-18 Qualifying Final will feature Luke Hynd (AUS), Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI), Andy Criere (FRA), and Soli Bailey (AUS).

Luke Hynd fron Australia. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

The Girls Under-16 Qualifying Final will feature Frankie Harrer (USA), Karelle Poppke (TAH), Mahina Maeda (HAW), and the defending champion Dax McGill (HAW).

In the Boys Repechage Rounds the best surfer was Japan’s Reo Inaba, who posted a heat total of 14.53 and in the Girls Repechage, Leilani McGonagle posted 16.17 points in the Under-16 keeping their hopes alive of reaching the Grand Final.

In the overall team standings, Hawaii and Australia have pulled away leading in first and second place respectively. Fighting for the next top spots are USA (3rd), France (4th), Japan (5th), South Africa (6th), Brazil (7th), and Peru (8th).

For a full list of today’s results, click here- http://isawjsc.com/results/

The 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship resumes Saturday at 7:40am with The Morning Show hosted by Chris Ernst, and with guests from Team USA Nikki Veisins and Cam Richards, Barbado’s Chelsea Tuach, and Russia’s Nikita Avdeev.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Main Podium:
1 Heats Qualify 6 Boys U-18
1 Heats Qualify 6 Boys U-16
1 Heats Qualify 5 Girls U-16
1 Heats Qualify 5 Girls U-18
2 Heats Repechage 8 Boys U-18
2 Heats Repechage 8 Boys U-16
2 Heats Repechage 6 Girls U-16
2 Heats Repechage 6 Girls U-18
1 Heats Repechage 9 Boys U-18
1 Heats Repechage 9 Boys U-16
1 Heats Repechage 7 Girls U-16
1 Heats Repechage 7 Girls U-18

The live webcast of the entire 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is available on www.isawjsc.com

Here is the scheduled for Day 7:
Saturday, 7:40am Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua
Saturday, 5:40am West Coast USA
Saturday, 2:40pm Western Europe
Saturday, 11:40pm Sydney, Australia

With the help of Koa Smith, the defending Team Champion, Hawaii, is holding on to the lead heading into the final three days of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

The Surf Continues To Pump at the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

As the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship approaches its final days of competition, the race for the Gold Medals and Team Champion Trophy intensified.
The surf continued to pump in the 3-4 foot range, with many overhead sets, and with Nicaragua’s legendary offshore wind blowing from dawn till dusk, for the fourth day in a row.

After 5 days of competition, the defending Team Champion, Team Hawaii, is leading the charge as they have not lost a single athlete yet.

Following close behind is Team Australia, which has only lost one athlete. Currently, in third is Team France followed by USA, Peru, South Africa, Brazil, and Japan.

Unfortunately for Team Nicaragua, the local team, they lost their last team member, Jackson Obando, today

“As we approach the final days of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, all teams continue to give their best effort,” commented ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Congratulations to Nicaragua for their fine showing as they fielded their first ever Junior team in the history of ISA competition. I am confident that with the government’s support, Team Nicaragua will continue to improve.”

Aguerre also said, “The waves continue to be amazing here in the beautiful paradise that is Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua. The world’s best juniors are giving us an incredible show, so be sure not to miss any of the action on the live webcast. And if you did not watch it today, go to the video section for the highlights of each day.”

The 5th Day of the event started with the Boys Under-18 Qualify Round 4, in which the best surfer was Hawaii’s Koa Smith, posting a 14.50. Smith advanced in first place to the Qualify Semi-Final ahead of last year’s Bronze Medalist, Noe Mar McGonagle (CRC, 12.50), Kain Daly (HAW, 9.90) and Cam Richards (USA, 7.27).

After that, it was the Repechage Rounds in the Girls and Boys divisions, where more competitors were eliminated from competition.

In the Boys Under-16 Repechage, Team USA competitor Jake Marshall was a standout in his division, surviving another day in the contest. Marshall earned the highest total heat score in Repechage, with 12.67, defeating Douglas Jose from Brazil (9.00) and sending home Japan’s Takumi Yasui (6.43) and the local Nicaraguan favorite Jackson Obando (0.83).

In Girls Under-18 Repechage, Nikki Viesins (USA), earned 11.93, defeating Bailey Nagy (HAW, 10.80), Keshia Eyre (POR, 7.23) and Ella Williams (NZL, 4.70). Other standouts in this Repechage Round were Miluska Tello (PER), Marie Troja (FRA), Lulu Erkeneff (USA) and Vania Torres (PER), who all advanced to the next round.

Nicaragua has delivered excellent surf every day of competition, keeping the world’s best junior surfers stoked and barralled. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Tia Blanco, another Team USA member, led the Girls Under-16 division. Blanco scored 14.26 dominating her fellow contestants Kim Veteau (FRA, 5.03), Minami Koyama (JPN, 4.43) and Chanelle Botha (RSA, 1.93). Other competitors that advanced in this division were Leilani McGonagle (CRC), Tessa Thyssen (FRA), Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Nagisa Tashiro (JPN).

For a full list of today’s results, click here- http://isawjsc.com/results/

The 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship resumes Friday at 7:40am with The Morning Show hosted by Chris Ernst, and with guests from Team South Africa and Team France.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Main Podium:
2 Heats Qualify 5 Boys U-18
2 Heats Qualify 5 Boys U-16
2 Heats Qualify 4 Girls U-16
2 Heats Qualify 4 Girls U-18
3 Heats Repechage 6 Boys U-18
4 Heats Repechage 6 Boys U-16
2 Heats Repechage 5 Girls U-16
2 Heats Repechage 5 Girls U-18
2 Heats Repechage 7 Boys U-16
2 Heats Repechage 7 Boys U-18

The live webcast of the entire 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is available on www.isawjsc.com

Here is the scheduled for Day 6:
Friday, 7:40am Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua
Friday, 5:40am West Coast USA
Friday, 2:40pm Western Europe
Friday, 11:40pm Sydney, Australia

Australia’s Kai Hing earned the first perfect 10-point ride of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Day 4 of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Presented by Billabong was an Action-Packed Day

Nicaragua delivers epic surf for Day 4 of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship (WJSC). The swell, as predicted by Surfline, arrived this morning with waves in the chest to head-high range with some overhead sets.

The first perfect 10-point ride of the event was awarded to Australia’s Kai Hing, who launched a huge air-360. Hing generated great speed down the line and as he approached the closed-out section, he took flight, rotated 360 degrees in the air, and landed perfectly.

The morning started with clean conditions and calm offshore winds. The tide was low and the waves were hollow. As the tide increased throughout the day, the offshore winds got stronger and the surf got even better. The surfers were getting barreled, launching huge airs and doing powerful turns.

“What an incredible day of competition! The performance level of these boys and girls is truly amazing,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The waves were insane today. Nicaragua’s unique offshore wind delivered some of the best conditions I have seen at an ISA World Championship. As we approach the finals, the action is getting better every day. Don’t miss a second of the live webcast. We are all just very happy to be enjoying the Nicaraguan Magic.”

Day 4 of the DAKINE ISA WJSC featured Qualifying Round 3 and Repechage 2 through 4 of the world’s best Junior surfers.

Today’s best surfer in the Boys Under-18 was Andy Criere from France, who in a high-scoring match scored 15.40 defeating Hawaii’s Koa Smith (12.46), Josh Moniz (HAW, 12.27), and Felipe Suarez (ARG, 8.70). In this heat, Criere earned two individual waves of 6.5 and 8.83, awarding him the victory over his fellow contestants.

Other standouts in this division included Japan’s Naomi Kobayashi, USA’s Cam Richards, South Africa’s Benji Brand, and Hawaii’s Kain Daly, getting one step closer to the final advancing on to Qualifying Round 4.

In the Boys Under-16, with a perfect 10, Australia’s Kai Hing got the wave of the event in a nerve-wracking heat. Hing boosted with an amazing air-360 that he landed perfectly.

Even though Hing was given an interference against one of his rivals, causing his second best scoring wave to be cut by half the points, he still managed to advance in first place.

In the Girls Under-18 division, Ella Williams from New Zealand was the best of the day. After falling to the Repechage, Ella earned 15.10 points defeating Ellen Harding (GBR, 6.13), Johanny Alfonso (PAN, 5.76) and Maite de Alava (URU, 1.00).

Costa Rica’s Leilani McGonagle is charging towards the Grand Final through the Repechage Rounds. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

Hawaiian Mahina Maeda had the best performance in the Girls Under-16 division. She scored 15.83 defeating Frankie Harrer (USA, 9.67), Isabella Nichols (AUS, 8.20) and Minami Koyama (JPN, 3.23).

For a full list of today’s results, click here- http://isawjsc.com/results/

The 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship resumes Thursday at 7:40am with The Morning Show hosted by Chris Ernst, and with guests from Team South Africa, Ireland, and Argentina.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Main Podium:
3 Heats Qualify 4 Boys U-18
8 Heats Repechage 4 Boys U-16
3 Heats Repechage 4 Girls U-18
3 Heats Repechage 5 Boys U-18
3 Heats Repechage 4 Girls U-16
4 Heats Qualify 4 Boys U-16
4 Heats Repechage 5 Boys U-16

The live webcast of the entire 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is available on www.isawjsc.com

Here is the scheduled for Day 5:
Thursday, 7:40am Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua
Thursday, 5:40am West Coast USA
Thursday, 2:40pm Western Europe
Thursday, 11:40pm Sydney, Australia

Nicaragua’s offshore winds were in full force allowing for incredible conditions all day long. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Presented by Billabong Heats Up as the First Surfers Drop Out

Amazing surfing continued during Day 3 of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Presented by Billabong as Nicaragua’s offshore wind prevailed all day long.

Competition intensified as the first Repechage Rounds took place today. This is a do-or-die round, if a surfer gets 3rd or 4th place, the athlete is out of the contest.

“The competition is reaching its critical stages, when athletes can’t afford to lose or they will go home,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The camaraderie between all the National Teams and the local Nicaraguans has created a great vibe amongst the surfing tribe. The waves are amazing; Nicaragua is truly a surfer’s paradise. Stay tuned all week and don’t miss a minute of the live webcast.”

Today showcased Qualifying and Repechage rounds of the world’s best under-18 and under-16 Boys and Girls with great waves in the 3-5ft range with occasional bigger sets.

Australia’s Stephanie Single and Kristen Ogden led the Girls Under-18. Single earned 15.90, followed by her teammate Ogden with 14.67, the highest total heat scores of the Round.

Single defeated Keshia Eyre (POR, 7.83), Camila Kemp (POR, 6.33) and Paula Duarte (CRC, 0.77). Ogden followed in her teammate’s footsteps dominating her heat defeating Hinako Kurokawa (JPN, 7.07), Leilani McGonagle (CRC, 5.36) and Iliana Aguirre (ECU, 2.23).

In the Girl’s Under-16, the stand out of the day was Holly Wawn from Australia, posting a total heat score of 16.00 against her teammate Isabella Nichols (AUS, 13.16), Jodie de Armas Tracy (GER, 3.10) and Teresa Bonvalot (POR, 2.97).

At the same time, the first Repechage Rounds of the Boys Under-18 and Under-16 was taking place at the second podium.

Germany’s Arne Bergwinkl was the best performer in the Boys under-18 Repechage 1. He posted a total of 13.00 points defeating Irons Burgos (ECU, 6.33), Giancarlo Marin (VEN, 6.06) and the local surfer Yuber Martínez (NIC, 5.24). Bergwinkl surfed again in Repechage 2 and is still in the competition after advancing in second place.

In the Boys under-18, Colin Moran from Team USA, earned 16.06 defeating Sean Kettle (NZL, 11.40), Jose Luis Ramos (SAL, 7.57), Jorge Soto (CHI, 3.33).

Despite a solid effort in a very close heat, Ireland’s lone competitor, Gearold McDaid, lost out of the competition today. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

With the day’s highest total heat score, France’s Nomme Mignot earned 17.83 dominating Jorge Alejandro Rivas (SAL, 6.27), Malakai Martinez (CRI, 6.10), and Sebastian Oliva (CHI, 4.67).

For a full list of today’s results, click here- http://isawjsc.com/results/

The 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship resumes Wednesday at 7:40am with The Morning Show hosted by Chris Ernst, and with guests from Team Germany and Team Japan.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Main Podium:
6 Heats Qualify 3 Boys U-18
8 Heats Qualify 2 Boys U-16
3 Heats Qualify 3 Girls U-18
3 Heats Qualify 3 Girls U-16
6 Heats Repechage 4 Boys U-18

Second Podium:
6 Heats Repechage 3 Boys U-18
8 Heats Repechage 2 Boys U-16
6 Heats Repechage 2 Girls U-18
6 Heats Repechage 2 Girls U-16
3 Heats Repechage 3 Girls U-16
3 Heats Repechage 3 Girls U-18

The live webcast of the entire 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is available on www.isawjsc.com

Here is the scheduled for Day 3:
Wednesday, 7:40am Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua
Wednesday, 5:40am West Coast USA
Wednesday, 2:40pm Western Europe
Wednesday, 11:40pm Sydney, Australia

Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti dominated his heat earning the day’s highest total heat score in the Under-16 Boy’s division. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Day 2 of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Presented by Billabong Was Filled With Spectacular Surfing Action

Day 2 of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Championship Presented by Billabong kicked off with the typical Nicaraguan offshore wind and amazing waves that continued the whole day.

Today showcased the opening Qualifying Round of the world’s best Under-18 and Under-16 Girls, who demonstrated their stellar talent, while the Under-18 and Under-16 Boys competed in both the Qualifying and Repechage Rounds with great 4-6 foot waves in Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua

“Today was an amazing day of competition. The waves were incredible,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “I was up at 5:30am surfing Popopyo, a very nice wave and also at Pangas, but it was not as good as it is here at Playa Jiquiliste. Although the waves are a bit smaller today, they are still excellent, and the boys and girls are surfing very well. Stay with us, and if you are not watching the live webcast, you are missing out.”

In the Under-16 Girl’s, France’s Kim Veteau was the standout of the day earning 14.33, the highest total heat score of the division, defeating her rivals, Leilani Aguirre (PER, 11.07), Isabella Bottero (ECU, 4.14) and Delfina Morosini (URU, 3.47).

In the Girls Under-18 division, Barbados’ Chelsea Tuach and Hawaii’s Tatiana Weston-Webb were the best of the day after both earning an impressive 16.17 in their respective Heats.

Tuach easily defeated Jasmin Smith (NZL, 8.64), Leticia Freitas (BRA, 5.80) and Cindy Obando (NIC, 0.00). Weston-Webb overcame Ellen Harding (GBR, 6.13) and Aixa Sánchez (ARG, 2.00).

Simultaneously, the action at the Main Podium was taking place with the Boys Under-16 and Under-18 divisions in Qualifying Round 2.

Larissa Santos from Brazil, with powerful, maneuvers like this, was one of the Under-16 Girls standouts of the day. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

With barrels, airs, and big turns, the world’s best junior surfers took advantage of the great conditions to deliver a great show for the hundreds of spectators on the beach and the tens of thousands around the world, who watched through the live webcast.

In the Boy’s Under-16, Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti had the best performance of the day earning 15.00. Fioravanti defeated Gatien Delahaye (FRA, 9.70), Quinn Bruce (AUS, 6.60) and Max Payne (GBR, 4.67). The young Italian set the pace from the beginning of the heat, posting 8.00 on the first minutes and later securing his victory with a 7.00 wave.

Next up was the Boy’s Under-18, where Hawaiians Josh Moniz and Koa Smith, posted some of the biggest scores of the day, earning 16.04 and 16.00 points in their respective heats.

A great moment of the day was when Team Russia’s lone competitor, Nikita Avdeev advanced through in the Repechage earning 7.44, defeating Eduardo Alfonso (PUR, 5.47) and Edgar Camarena (MEX, 0.00).

At ISA World Championships, it is a traditional sight to see team cheers, especially with the winners of each heat. In the case of Russia’s Nikita Avdeev, being the only competitor from Russia, he had no teammates to make a team cheer with. With a display of excellent sportsmanship, competitors from Team Argentina gathered around Avdeev after his heat win and performed a team cheer for Russia. This was a great symbol of the gathering of the surfing tribe and sharing the love for surfing together.

For a full list of today’s results, click here- http://isawjsc.com/results/

The 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship resumes Tuesday at 7:40am with The Morning Show hosted by Chris Ernst, and with guests from Team Nicaragua, including Jackson Obando, Kevin Cortez and Team Coach, Sean Pearsons.

Following that, the competition will feature:
6 Heats Qualify 2 Girls U-18
6 Heats Qualify 2 Girls U-16
16 Heats Repechage 2 Boys U-16
2 Heats Repechage 1 Girls U-18
12 Heats Repechage 1 Boys U-18
12 Heats Repechage 2 Boys U-18
6 Heats Repechage 1 Girls U-16
4 Heats Repechage 1 Girls U-18

The live webcast of the entire 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is available on www.isawjsc.com

Here is the scheduled for Day 3:
Sunday, 7:40am Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua
Sunday, 5:40am West Coast USA
Sunday, 2:40pm Western Europe
Sunday, 11:40pm Sydney, Australia