URBIZTONDO BEACH, San Juan, La Union, Philippines (Sunday, January 12, 2025) - Tomorrow, the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) World Junior Championships Presented by TPB Philippines will commence at La Union in the Philippines. All 48 competitors have been decided, and attention has now turned to The Point at Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, where the competition window will run from January 13 - 19, 2025. The first call will be tomorrow, January 13, at 7:30 a.m. (GMT+8) for a possible 8:05 a.m. start.
48 Competitors From 14 Countries Prepare for Competition at La Union, Philippines
The international fields, consisting of 24 men and 24 women, have been determined by the rankings from each of the seven WSL Regions. Wildcard spots have also been awarded to individuals who have performed on the Challenger Series and Qualifying Series throughout 2024. These top-ranked men and women, all aged 20 and under, represent the next generation of global talent. Each will compete for the prestigious World Junior Title, aiming to join an illustrious list of Junior Champions, including Joel Parkinson (AUS), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Andy Irons (HAW), Gabriel Medina (BRA), and recent Championship Tour qualifier and Olympian Vahine Fierro (FRA).
Headlining the field at this year's event will be reigning women's World Junior Champion Sierra Kerr (AUS) as well as 2022 men's World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle (AUS). Bronson Meydi (INA) and Mirai Ikeda (JPN) stormed through the Asia regional qualifiers, winning three of the four qualifying events, with Arena Rodriguez (PER) doing the same in the South American region. Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (Basque) was the standout of the Europe region, winning both of the counting qualifying events.
"Growing up, my dad always talked about the importance of this event and how many big names have won it," said Sierra Kerr. "To join that list was amazing and I'm pumped to be back again and have another opportunity to win it again. It's so good to be back in the Philippines. It's a country I've had success in before, so it's cool to be back and check out a new place. The waves here in La Union look fun, so it should be a sick event."
"Winning this event really launched a big few years for me, so I know how important a win here could be for any of these surfers," said Jarvis Earle. "I feel so honoured to have the opportunity to compete for another world title."
The host country, the Philippines, will be well represented, with four Philippine wildcard spots going to Noah Arkfeld (PHL), Mara Lopez (PHL), Toby Espejon (PHL), and Cathleya Casals (PHL), who have all been standouts on the Asia regional Qualifying Series and Junior Series.
"It's so cool to have such a massive international event here in the Philippines," said Noah Arkfeld. "It's been amazing seeing the world's best juniors surfing here over the last few days; the level is so high. I have a lot of experience surfing here in La Union, so I hope I can use that to my advantage this week."
Meet the Contenders for the 2024 World Junior Championships
Africa Luke Thompson (RSA) Lily Heny (RSA) Daniel Emslie (RSA) Anastasia Venter (RSA)
Asia Bronson Meydi (INA) Cocona Kawase (JPN) Made Ariyana (INA) Kana Nakashio (JPN)
Australia/Oceania Winter Vincent (AUS) Jahly Stokes (AUS) Macklin Flynn (AUS) - Replacement Isla Huppatz (AUS)
Europe Francisco Ordonhas (PRT) Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (Basque) Dylan Donegan Dos Santos (ESP) Hina-Maria Conradi (FRA)
Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Region Luke Swanson (HAW) Malia Lima (HAW) Kohai Fierro (PYF)
Latin America Ryan Kainalo (BRA) Arena Rodriguez (PER) Cauet Frazao (BRA) Catalina Zariquey (PER)
North America Blayr Barton (USA) Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) Owen Moss (USA) Reid Van Wagoner (USA)
Event Wildcards Jarvis Earle (AUS) Sophia Medina (BRA) Heitor Mueller (BRA) Sierra Kerr (AUS) Leo Casal (BRA) Ellie Harrison (AUS) Kai Odriozola (ESP) Luana Silva (BRA) Ryan Huckabee (USA) Laura Raupp (BRA) Keoni Lasa (EUK) Anon Matsuoka (JPN) Tenshi Iwami (JPN) Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) Marlon Harrison (AUS) Rosie Smart (AUS) Lennox Smith (AUS) Noah Arkfeld (PHL) Mara Lopez (PHL) Toby Espejon (PHL) Cathleya Casals (PHL)
The 2024 WSL World Junior Championships Presented by TPB Philippines, will be held at The Point at Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, Philippines, from January 13 to 19, 2025.