The 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles has run this past week, with a number of local surfers making the NSW Team.
Featuring the nation's best junior surfers, the Australian Junior Surfing Titles encompasses individual divisions for U14-U18 junior men and women, as well as a school surfing division for U16-U19 (MR Shield) junior men and women. The seven-day competition took place between November 29th and December 5th, 2025.
U16 and U18 winners earn a spot on the Australian National Surfing Team, The Irukandjis team, for the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.
Dee Why surfer Ben Zanatta won the 2025 Australian Title, taking out the U18 Men’s Division.
During the U18’s Final between Ben and Queensland’s Will Martin, commentators of the live broadcast shared Ben was riding a Psillakis surfboard, crafted by Mike Psillakis of Psillakis surfboards at Brookvale. Mike is the twin brother of Mercury, a Long Reef Boardriders member, who our community recently lost on his home break at Long Reef-Dee Why through a fatal shark attack.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, as well as Longy Boardriders and Maria, Merc’s wife, called for more drone surveillance to increase safety at popular metro surfing and swim spots as Summer commenced, a call backed up by the council.
Ben and his fellow team mates were jumping all over the oceans' edge when it became apparent he'd won - just before they chaired him back up the beach.
Immediately after winning Ben said: ‘’I was frothing to get chosen for the NSW team and then chosen as Team Captain. And now I’m frothing to be part of the Irukandjis Team and represent Australia at the 2026 World Junior Surfing Championships.’’
‘’I’d like to thank my mum and dad and girl and Dee Why Boardriders and especially Mike Psillakis and Merc – this is for Merc Psillakis, he has definitely helped me achieve goals. During the last few months I’ve felt like he (Merc) was by my side.’’
Competing in the Australian Junior Surfing Titles is a huge achievement, and the whole community has been behind the NSW Team and the young surfers from the peninsula who were chosen to represent the state, following the comp over its 7 days.
Team NSW. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
Set in Wollongong, competition involves thrilling performances, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Structured to give these up and coming young Australian surfers a taste of the extended format of tour competitions, the camaraderie within teams, and on the beach across all states, sets the athletes up for all the positives surfing brings.
Originally slated for South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, the decision to relocate the event to Wollongong, NSW, was announced on November 30 due to conditions associated with South Australia's algal bloom. Although two-thirds of South Australia’s coast is unaffected, including the Fleuriea Peninsula, difficulty in forecasting conditions prompted the move.
Friday November 28th, 2025:
The 2026 Australia Titles officially commenced in Wollongong. Over 250 aspiring surfing stars gathered at the University of Wollongong, McKinnon Building, to celebrate the nation's incredibly high standard of junior surfing. Competitors were treated to inspirational highlight reels showcasing Australia's past surfing successes, massive merch packs and inspiring words from special guest speaker Mayor Tania Brown. The night concluded with a sunset dinner and live music as the surfers anticipated the challenges ahead.
Saturday 29th November 2025:
The Australian Junior Surfing Titles kicked off at Thirroul Beach, with the opening rounds of U18-U16 men and women. These initial rounds establish the stage for the upcoming competition, especially the lead-up to semi-finals and finals on Thursday and Friday. Although competitors are a part of state teams, they are also chasing individual glory, including national titles and selection.
Local emerging stars all took to the waves to showcase their skills, apparent through U16’s Barrenjoey local Koani Aguiar attaining 3rd place alongside NSW team mate Locanna Cullen, who took out 1st place in Heat 1.
Narrabeen Sports High School's U16 Eli Clarke seized 2nd place in Heat 5.
In the U18 Men’s, Jesse Fergusson (Sunshine Beach, QLD), Lachlan Arghyros (Kingscliff, NSW), Jai Nield (Snapper Rocks, QLD), Jake Scott (Yallingup, WA) and Okie Fraser (Margaret River, WA) all impressed with strong performances to take their heats.
In the U18 Women’s, Alice Hogson (Kiama Downs, NSW), Ava Arghyros (Kingscliff, NSW), Sophie Wilkinson (Shoreham, VIC), Ruby Trew (Narrabeen, NSW), Poppy O’Reilly (Sydney, NSW) and Anna Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD) also advanced with confident, heat-winning displays.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott was thrilled to see the competition get off to a strong start,stating:
“It’s great to kick off the competition window on a strong note. Thirroul has served up super fun 2–3ft surf for the U18 men and women. Today we begin the seeding rounds, setting the stage for several exciting days of competition, all leading up to our finals on Thursday and Friday next week.
The standard has already been very high—it’s the cream of the crop of Australian junior surfers here.”
U16 Boys Round 1, Heat 1, Loci Cullen. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
U16 Boys Round 1, Heat 1, Koani Aguiar. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
Sunday 30th November 2025:
The National Junior Surfing Titles continued at Thirroul Beach with the U16, U14 girls and boys and MR Shield action battling through their open rounds. Named to honour 4 x World Champion Mark Richards, the MR Shield is the prestigious school surfing division (U16 & U19) within the annual Australian Junior Surfing Titles, where teams work together to get crowned national champions.
A slight increase in southerly swell brought fun 2-3ft waves for competitors. The set location of Thirroul delivered excellent conditions on a consistent bank, allowing surfers the opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.
Barrenjoey local, U16 Lucette Bullen, worked to earn 3rd place in Heat 5. Narrabeen Sports High’s Eli Clarke and Jagger Phillips attained 2nd place for the U16 MR Shield in the next round of heats.
NSW Talent Development Officer Ryan Haworth was pleased to see his state get off to a strong start stating:
"The NSW team is off to a fantastic start. The U14 Boys absolutely ripped it today, with nearly everyone progressing to Round 3. The U14 division is definitely one of our strongest.
The high school teams also put on a solid showing. Illawarra Sports High delivered a great performance in their home town, and Thirroul Public School really turned it on too.
Everyone is finding their feet, and our team is working together really well. It’s awesome to see our athletes progressing through the competition. We’re super excited for finals!"
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott was really impressed with the level of surfing today, especially from the U14s:
"It’s been great to see everyone surfing so well out here, but the U14 divisions have really raised the bar; they've been almost as impressively as the U16s and U18s.
Thirroul has served up some excellent conditions on a consistent bank, giving the surfers plenty of opportunities to put on a show. Tomorrow we may move to a new location, so stay tuned for the morning call." Glen said
U16's Lucette Bullen. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
Monday 1st December 2025:
The first knockout rounds occurred at Thirroul Beach. Competitors endured tricky conditions due to a moderate westerly wind and inconsistent 1-2ft waves caused by a declining southerly swell. However, Barrenjoey High School's U16 Lucette Bullen secured 2nd place in Heat 3 and fourth place in Heat 5. Fellow NSW team member and fellow Barrenjoey local, Kaoni Aguiar, achieved second place in the U16 Men's Heat 1.
Smart, strategic surfing from Hunter Sutcliffe (Queenscliff, NSW) saw him take out Heat 1 of the U16 Men. He opened with a 5.25, then held priority for more than 10 minutes before locking in a 5.08 to secure the win:
“It was pretty slow out there, but I managed to get two good waves. My first one was a set wave, I did one fin blast on my backhand and then on my second wave, I waited about 15 minutes, but was able to pull off two backhand snaps, so it was definitely worth the wait.
I held priority for a long time during the heat and was getting pretty nervous, but thankfully that second wave came through.
It feels great to get the win, looking forward to the third round tomorrow!” Hunter said
Ashton Mekisic (Wollongong, NSW) left his mark in Heat 3 of the U16 Boys, dropping a 7.75 for a critical forehand snap on one of the best right-handers of the day securing the heat win:
“I’d say I caught the bomb of the day and managed two nice turns on it. I was pretty stoked to get a solid score. I’m riding my Byrne Surfboards Prodigy model, and I just picked up two new ones for Aussies, and they’re going really well. We’ve got some big surf coming tomorrow, so fingers crossed for some pumping waves.
I also went to the Narrabeen High Performance Centre with Surfing New South Wales for a training camp in preparation for Aussies. Our team is feeling really strong and confident.” Ashton said
Standout Performances and Heat Winners from Day Three:
U14 Girls: Malia Simon (Gold Coast, QLD), Audrey Knobel (Moruya, NSW), Amelie Wroth (Mandurah, WA)
U14 Boys: Sonny Leong (Cronulla, NSW), Ry Foley (Yallingup, WA), Raff Morris (Sorrento, VIC)
U16 Girls: Charlotte Rielly (Sunshine Coast, QLD), Jessie Silver (Fairlight, NSW), Lulu Wilson (Dunsborough, WA)
U16 Boys: Hunter Sutcliffe (Queenscliff, NSW), Brody Mulik (Margaret River, WA), Ashton Mekisic (Wollongong, NSW)
U18 Women: Amber Faddy (Sunshine Coast, QLD), Mia Baker (Byron Bay, NSW), Mia MacMahon (Norah Head, NSW)
U18 Men: Hunter Anderson (Moffat Beach, QLD), Noah Keelan (Encounter Bay, SA), Remy North (Yallingup, WA)
Round 4, Heat 3, Jacques Callebaut . Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
Tuesday 2nd December 2025:
Initially set up at Thirroul Beach, the southerly swell and south-southeast wind increased dramatically by 11am, prompting Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliot to shift the competition site to Sandon Point. Sandon Point, 11km from Wollongong, is known for its surf break and beach. It is also a significant site for Aboriginal culture and heritage.
“We got a great little window at Thirroul early this morning with a nice spike in swell overnight. But once the southerly wind kicked in and really started to blow out the lineup, we made the call to shift to Sandon Point. It’s one of Wollongong’s premier waves and we’re very fortunate to be able to run heats here.
Even though it’s not firing at its absolute best today, there are still some really fun walls coming through. The country’s top juniors are making the most of it and putting on a fantastic show.” Glen said
The Junior Surf Titles began with Round 3 of U14 Boys and U16 Women's. Competitors took advantage of an increased southerly swell, with 2-3ft punchy waves. By 11 am southerly swell and southwest wind increased dramatically.
Day 4 at the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles saw the nation's best juniors waves as knockout rounds continued and the field narrowed once again. With solid performances across all divisions, Ben Zanatta achieved second place in Heat 1.
The U16 Round 3 match-ups saw Kaoni Aguiar place 3rd after Joey Silk, eventual second place overall winner in this age division, and just half a point behind Jacob Sheehan. Hunter Sutcliffe also bowed out in Heat 2, which was won by Queenslanders Zac Johnston and Hemi O'Brien with NSW's Hugo Spierings placing 4th in the challenging waves. NSW's Ashton Mekisic and Pittwater's Locana Cullen placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in Heat 6 of Round 3.
Standout performances and heat winners of day 4 consisted of:
U14 Boys: Sonny Brooke (Noosa, QLD), Zeke Woollam (Bonny Hills, NSW), Harry Stephens (Port Macquarie, NSW), Tully Crompton (Tugun, QLD)
U16 Women: Rosie Richardson (Sunshine Beach, QLD), Talia Tebb (Avoca Beach, NSW), Rose Holland (Dromana, VIC), Lani Cairncross (Illawarra, NSW), Savannah Rielly (Dicky Beach, QLD), Miller-May Berg (Miami Beach, QLD)
U16 Men: Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW), Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD), Ashton Crowley (Lennox Head, NSW), Ace Flynn (Cowaramup, WA), Lucas Deffenti (Gold Coast, QLD), Luca Martin (Coffs Harbour, NSW)
U18 Women: Avalon Vowels (Scotts Head, NSW), Meika Locke (Palm Beach, QLD), Ava Holland (Mornington Peninsula, VIC), Sophie Wilkinson (Shoreham, VIC), Edel Rodden (Geraldton, WA), Alice Hodgson (Kiama Downs, NSW)
U18 Men: Jesse Fergusson (Noosa, QLD), Will Martin (Coffs Harbour, NSW), Jai Nield (Coolangatta, QLD), Darcy Dwyer (Cooroibah, QLD), Kai Alcala (Tweed, NSW)
U16 Boys Round 3, Heat 6, Loci Cullen ripping it up. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
Wednesday 3rd December 2025:
The young emerging surfers on day five at the 2025 Junior Surfing Titles demonstrated extraordinary skill with several aerials and impressive manoeuvres on display. With round 4 and finals for the MR Shield in motion, East Corrimal Beach served up clean and punchy 2–3ft waves.
Dee Why’s Ben Zanatta achieved first place in Heat 3.
Freshwater junior Jacques Callebaut secured first place in Heat 1 for the U14's.
Narrabeen Sport High School Students, Eli Clarke and Jagger Phillips, attained 3rd place in the MR Shield final. Western Australia’s Margaret River High School took first place by 2.15 and Queensland’s Palm Beach Currumbin high school won 2nd place. Victoria’s Bass Coast College rounded out the top 4 placings in the U16 Boys MR Shield (Schools) Final.
Round 4, Heat 3,Ben Zanatta. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
Standout performances and heat winners of day 5 consisted of:
U18 Men: Will Martin (Coffs Harbour, NSW), Leo Matchett (Gold Coast, QLD), Ben Zanatta (Dee Why, NSW)
U18 Women: Mia Baker (Lennox Head, NSW), Stella Green (Sunshine Coast, QLD), Alice Hodgson (Kiama Downs, NSW)
U16 Men: Harrison Gibbs (QLD), Ashton Crowley (Lennox Head, NSW), Jacob Sheehan (NSW)
U16 Women: Talia Tebb (Avoca Beach, NSW) Eliza Richardson (Sunshine Beach, QLD), Miller-May Berg (Noosa, QLD)
U14 Boys: Lennox Lindsay (Culburra, NSW), Brandon Davidson (Rainbow Bay, QLD), Jacques Callebaut (Freshwater, NSW)
U14 Girls: Rosie Annesley (Margaret River, WA), Estella Carbonelli (Bells Beach, VIC), Malia Simon (Gold Coast, QLD)
2024 U14 Girls Champion Talia Tebb (Avoca Beach, NSW) was feeling confident on her equipment and loving competing with all the states:
“Waves have been great today, everyone’s ripping. I got a 7 and a 6 in my heat, so I’m pretty stoked with the combo. My boards are feeling really good. I’m riding DHDs — they’re actually all Molly Picklum’s boards that she’s passed on to me, which I’m super lucky to have. It’s such a cool event with all the states here. Getting the win last year in the U14 Girls was amazing, so hopefully I can back that up again this year.” Talia said
Twin sisters Rosie and Eliza Richardson (Gold Coast, QLD) were competing side by side in the U16 Women's division. Eliza championed this event two years in a row in 2022 and 2023, but after missing out on a three-peat last year due to a broken ankle, she was eager to make up for lost time:
“It’s pretty tricky out there, but I managed to find two solid waves and lock in a 6 and a 5. My turns were feeling really good, so it’s nice to build some momentum, and it was fun surfing against some friends.
I won in ’22 and ’23, but I couldn’t compete last year because I was injured, so it’s great to be back and have a shot at my third win.”
Miller-May Berg (Noosa, QLD) was fresh off winning the Layne Beachley Rising Talent Camp and was using the skills she learned there to power her way into the quarter-finals:
“Just won my heat and I’m into the quarter-finals now. The waves have been really fun, and it’s been great hanging out with all the girls from each state — we’ve been having the best time.
A month ago, I was at the Layne Beachley Rising Talent Camp, where I took the win and had an amazing experience. I learned so much from Layne; it was so inspiring to be around her. All the girls from that camp are here competing, so it’s been awesome to catch up with them again.” she said
Lennox Lindsay (Culburra, NSW) has been a standout so far, winning the Salty Crew Wave of the Day twice already. Lindsay is carrying that momentum into the quarter-finals after his Round 4 heat win today:
“I surfed with my mate Sunny. I got a good right with a nice fin blast, then another wave with a solid carve followed by a floater. I’m pretty stoked to have won two of the Salty Crew Waves of the Day — it’s been great for my confidence, and it feels awesome to get on a roll and build momentum.”
U14's NSW Team Support
U14's making new friends from around the country through surfing
Thursday 4th December 2025:
Day 6 of the Australian Junior Surfing Titles unfolded at East Corrimal Beach with quarter-final and semi-final action. Quarter Final matches between U18, U16, U14 men and women, ran in the morning.
Although competitors endured tricky 1-2ft waves, Freshwater junior Jacques Callebaut won first in his quarter-final heat against Queensland representatives; however he was unable to secure the win against the NSW statesman in the semi-final. Dee Why’s Ben Zanatta won his semi-final heat against fellow NSW teammate Leo Matchett. Zanatta also claimed the Salty Crew Wave of the Day, with a 7.13-point ride.
Heat winners and standout performers from Day 6 included:
U14 Boys: Jacques Callebaut (Freshwater, NSW), Harry Stephens (Port Macquarie, NSW), Lennox Lindsay (Culburra, NSW)
U14 Girls: Navah Holmes (Currumbin, QLD), Estella Carbonelli (Bells Beach, VIC)
U16 Men: Ashton Mekisic (Wollongong, NSW), Lucas Deffenti (Gold Coast, NSW)
U16 Women: Lani Cairncross (Illawarra, NSW), Eliza Richardson (Sunshine Beach, QLD)
U18 Men: Will Martin (Gold Coast, QLD), Ben Zanatta (Dee Why, NSW)
U18 Women: Stella Green (Sunshine Coast, QLD), Ava Arghyros (Kingscliff, NSW)
Ashton Mekisic (Wollongong, NSW) had to fight against two of his fellow statesmen to take the win in his U16 Men’s quarter-final heat.
“It was sick to battle it out with some of the other NSW competitors. The energy in the Surfing NSW team is unreal.
That was a really good heat. We all pushed each other the whole way. We wished each other luck before we paddled out, but once we hit the water it went pretty quiet. Everyone was locked in and focused on doing their job.” he said
In the final heat of the day Harry Stephens (Port Macquarie, NSW) hit the water in the U14 Boys. Conditions had really deteriorated but that didn't stop Stephens getting to work:
“I’m super stoked. It was pretty tricky out there and you really had to be patient, but I managed to find a couple of good ones.
It’s always fun surfing against competitors from other states because everyone brings something different, but I’m definitely glad to come away with the win.”
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott has been blown away by the standard of surfing all week and is really looking forward to what promises to be a thrilling finals day tomorrow:
"The talent we’ve seen this week has been absolutely incredible. Every heat has pushed these young surfers to raise their game. The level of skill, progression, and strategy in the water has been phenomenal.
"Tomorrow’s finals are shaping up to be a fitting climax to an action-packed week from Australia’s next generation of surfing stars. With tomorrow’s forecast looking promising, I’m really excited to see who steps up and takes the win." Glen said
Friday 5th December 2025: Historic Finals Day at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles
Pumping Waves and Historic Wins on Finals Day at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles
Photo; Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) wins back-to-back Australian Junior Surf Titles. Credits: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
Finals day of the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles saw the nation’s best juniors take to the water in a battle for national glory. McCauley’s Beach served up clean, consistent 3ft surf all day, thanks to a spike in NE swell and offshore north-westerly winds, setting the perfect stage for a thrilling conclusion to an incredible week in Wollongong.
With the best waves of the event, competitors produced the highest-quality surfing of the week, leaving fans and judges alike in awe.
Today’s champions have joined an extremely prestigious list of Australian surfing royalty, including Stephanie Gilmore, Molly Picklum, Mick Fanning and Owen Wright.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott praised all participants and organisers for an incredible finish to the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles:
"An amazing finish to an incredible event! The athletes, teams, managers, and coaches have all been extremely professional throughout the week.
We’ve had four different locations, and I couldn’t ask for a better way to wrap up the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles. McCauley’s Beach is absolutely pumping for day seven.
The semi-finalists and finalists have met every performance measure the judges were looking for, with plenty of high scores and outstanding surfing all day. It’s been an incredible day of competition, and I give my sincere thanks to everyone involved."
U18 Men’s Final
Ben Zanatta (Dee Why, NSW) had been consistent all week, peaking at the perfect time. Using clinical rail work and critical backhand snaps, he dropped a 7.80 and 7.58 for a 15.38 heat total, taking the win over Will Martin (Gold Coast, QLD) in one of the closest heats of the day. With this championship, Zanatta has now qualified for the Australian National Surfing Team, the Irukandjis, and will compete in the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.
“I’m over the moon. To qualify for the Australian National Surfing Team means the world to me. I’ve been waiting a long time for this, it’s been a goal of mine for ages.'' Ben said
In that final, my second wave was my best score; I felt really sharp on my backhand. I was thinking about going right and trying an air, but I chose to stick to my strengths, and it paid off.”
Ben Zanatta winning. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
U18 Women’s Final
Conditions got a little tricky for the U18 Women’s final, but Stella Green (Sunshine Coast, QLD) found a few diamonds in the rough. Using powerful, near-perfect rail surfing, she dropped one of the highest scores of the day, an 8.25, for a 14.15 heat total, taking the win over Ava Arghyros (Kingscliff, NSW). With this victory, Green has now qualified for the Australian National Surfing Team, The Irukandjis, and will compete in the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.
“That was such a tough final. Ava rips so hard. I just found this left with priority, did two big turns and ended up with an 8-point ride. I was still stressed because I know how well Ava surfs and she has the ability to flip a heat at any moment, but thankfully this one went my way.'' Stella said
Qualifying for the Australian team has been a goal of mine for the past three years. I’m so stoked to join The Irukandjis. I really can’t believe it.”
U16 Men's Final
Securing his spot on The Irukandjis, Ashton Crowley (Lennox Head, NSW) claimed victory over Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW) in a nail-biting heat under some of the best conditions of the day. Having recently relocated from South Australia, Crowley had two states cheering him on as he posted an 8.13 and 7.30 for a 15.43 heat total and the win.
“I can’t even think, I’m just so stoked. It’s a dream come true. I’m shaking.'' Ashton said
''My plan was to take off and get as deep as possible, then come around the section and go as vertical as I could. I managed to get five great waves in that heat and I’m so pumped.
It feels pretty special to have two states cheering for me.”
U16 Women's Final
Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) has claimed back-to-back Australian Junior Surfing Titles, winning the U14 Girls in 2024 and taking victory today in the U16 Women’s final over Eliza Richardson (Sunshine Beach, QLD). This marks her second national title and her first qualification for the Australian National Surfing Team.
“I’m super stoked to win the U16 Girls, going back to back from last year. It feels really special.'' Talia said post her win
''The waves changed a lot in our heat. It was a pretty slow start for both of us, but I tried to stay busy and chase critical closeout turns because I knew that was one of my strengths.
The Irukandjis are over in Peru at the moment and it looks so sick. It feels amazing to know I’ve qualified and have the chance to represent Australia next year. It’s been a goal of mine for years.''
Talia Tebb winning. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield
U14 Boy's Final
In a nail-biting U14 Boys final, Lennox Lindsay (Kulburra, NSW) held a comfortable lead for most of the heat. With five minutes remaining, Harry Stephens (Port Macquarie, NSW) dropped the highest score of the heat, a 7.15, to take the lead. But with priority and less than a minute left, Lindsay took off on a right-hander and scored a 6.65 to reclaim the win.
U14 Girl's Final
In the U14 Girls final, Navah Holmes (Currumbin, QLD) delivered textbook rail surfing, posting a 6.63 and 5.38 for a 12.01 heat total to take a strong victory by 4.63 over Estella Carbonelli (Bells Beach, VIC). Both surfers were incredible throughout the heat, showcasing skill, determination, and competitive spirit. With performances like these, the future of women’s junior surfing in Australia looks brighter than ever.
Finals day at the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles delivered on every level. The surf was pumping, the pressure peaked, and Australia’s next generation of surfing stars stepped up to deliver the best surfing all week. With champions crowned and history made, the Australian Junior Surfing Titles continues to be the nation's pinnacle junior surfing event; a grand stage for Australia’s next surfing talents.
Final Results:
U18 Men
- Ben Zanatta (Dee Why, NSW) - 15.38
- Will Martin (Gold Coast, QLD) - 13.78
U18 Women
- Stella Green (Sunshine Coast, QLD) - 14.15
- Ava Arghyros (Kingscliff, NSW) - 13.00
U16 Men
- Ashton Crowley (Lennox Head, NSW) - 15.43
- Joey Silk (Crescent Head, NSW) - 12.10
U16 Women
- Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) - 11.25
- Eliza Richardson (Sunshine Beach, QLD) - 6.01
U14 Boys
- Lennox Lindsay (Kulburra, NSW) - 13.40
- Harry Stephens (Port Macquarie, NSW) - 13.28
U14 Girls
- Navah Holmes (Currumbin, QLD) - 12.01
- Estella Carbonelli (Bells Beach, VIC) - 7.38
MR Shield U19 Boys
- Illawarra Sports High
MR Shield U19 Girls
- Dromana College
MR Shield U16 Boys
- Margaret River High School
MR Shield U16 Girls
- Palm Beach Currumbin
State Tag Team
- Queensland
Overall State Winner
Queensland
Surfing Australia Special Awards:
- Duke Kahanamoku Award: Ben Zanatta (Dee Why, NSW)
- Isabel Letham Award: Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW)
- Globe Breakout Performer: Leo Matchett (Gold Coast, QLD)
- Salty Crew Wave of the Event: Tully Crompton (Tugun, QLD) - 9.00 pt ride - Rnd 3 Ht 6
For the full results and heat draw, visit LiveHeats.
About the Australian Junior Surfing Titles
The Australian Junior Surfing Titles encompass individual divisions for U14–U18 junior men and women, as well as a school surfing division for U16–U19 (MR Shield) junior men and women.
Champions in the U16 and U18 men’s and women’s divisions will earn selection to the Irukandjis Team to represent Australia at the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.
The seven-day competition window ran from November 29th to December 5th 2025.
Event website: australianjuniorsurfingtitles.com.
The Australian Junior Surfing Titles were proudly supported by Destination Wollongong, Fujifilm Photos, Globe, Ritual Vision, Salty Crew, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, BLACKROLL, and Surfers For Climate
The news service would like to thank Surfing Australia for their excellent coverage yet again this year and their ongoing support for surfing across every state in Australia, in any way you get on the water with a board.
NSW Team List
U18’s Men
Ben Zanatta
Charlie Lamberger
Felix Byrnes
Taj Air
Kai Alcala
Kai Seddon
U18’s Women
Alice Hodgson
Avalon Vowels
Ava Arghyros
Ruby Trew
Mia Baker
Poppy O'Reilly
Mia Gentle
Grace Gosby
Mia MacMahon
U16 Men
Locana Cullen
Kaoni Aguiar
Hugo Spierings
Ashton Crowley
Hunter Sutcliffe
Eli Clarke
Ashton Mekisic
Liam Gason
Jacob Sheehan
U16 Women
Claire McBride
Jessie Silver
Lucette Bullen
Malia Barron
Gracie Ball
U14 Boys
Brynn Spierings
Sonny Leong
Phoenix Talbot
Billy Daniel
Zeke Woollam
Noah Kornek
Harry Stephens
Lennox Lindsay
Joakim Bjorck
U14 Girls
Penny Fletcher
Rubylee Neill
Arabella Georgeson
Alanni Morris
Audrey Knobel
Shelby O'Rourke
Olive Morriss
U19 Boys MR Shield (Schools)
- Illawarra Sports High: Ashton Mekisic and Taj Air
U19 Girls MR Shield (Schools)
- Illawarra Sports High: Lani Cairncross and Alice Hodgson
U16 Boys MR Shield (Schools)
- Narrabeen Sports High: Eli Clarke and Jaggar Phillips
U16 Girls MR Shield (Schools)
- St Peters Anglican College (NSW): Alana Fletcher and Penny Fletcher
State Tag Team - Final
1 Queensland Broncos 35.17 Won by 6.09
2 New South Wales BIG DOG BLUES 29.08
3 Victoria MAFIA 27.93
4 Western Australia WESTSIDE 25.24
5 South Australia Salty South 18.77
6 Tasmania Devils 13.72
Queensland tag team; Darcy Dwyer, Luca Martin, Rosie Richardson, Meika Locke and Tully Crompton
New South Wales tag team; Lennox Lindsay, Talia Tebb, Ben Zanatta, Ava Arghyros and Ashton Crowley
Victoria tag team; Jarvis Barrow, Rose Holland, Sophie Wilkinson, George Everist and Teddy Robertson
Western Australia tag team; Remy North, Rosie Gillett, Cruz Macdonald, Leila Fraser and Jasper Glossop
South Australia tag team; Mitchell Henderson, Seth Baillie, Maia Taite, Jovi Heldt and Isla Kindstrom
Tasmania tag team; Tully Woodberry, Jessica Gardner, Poppy Woodberry, Duke Armstrong and Hudson Direen
