Auckland's Piha Beach Today Became the Capital of the Surfing World
Pictured above: L to R: Keanu Asing, Sarah Mason, Martin Potter and Fernando Aguerre. Picture: ISA/Jake White
Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship
January 19, 2010
Piha Beach, New Zealand
Watch the LIVE Web at www.isaworldjuniors.com
New Zealand became the centre of the surfing world today, with the official media launch of the 2010 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship to be held in Piha Beach, Auckland.
The biggest surfing tournament in the world for surfers under 18 was welcomed in grand style. Some of the world's elite junior surfers including New Zealand hopeful Sarah Mason, newly-crowned World Pro Junior Champion (20-years and under) Maxime Huscenot (FRA) and reigning ISA Under 16 gold medalist Keanu Asing (HAW) donning the Sky City Convention Centre press conference.
Also in attendance, were ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, Surfing New Zealand CEO, Greg Townsend, Tourism New Zealand Public Relations Manager Jane Dent and Surfing Legend and 1989 World Champion, Martin Potter.
It's the first time the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is held in Oceania, with New Zealand being chosen because of its commitment to a better surfing future, a well-structured National Governing Body and consistent waves.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre opened the conference conveying the ISA´s excitement about the event.
“I'm very happy to be here,” said Aguerre. “It's our first time running an event in New Zealand. I've heard a lot about the waves, its people and the culture, so we're very excited to hold this event at Auckland's Piha beach. He also stated: “Our events are known as the Olympics of Surfing, athletes don't come here to win money, they do it for the honor of representing their countries. Enjoying great days with kids from all over the world is what makes this event so special. We bring the surfing tribe spirit to New Zealand and upon departure, we will leave as New Zealand's new ambassadors.”
Surfing legend, Martin Potter backed the President's message confirming his love for the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. He also pointed out: “My last year's favorite surfing events were the Eddie and the 2009 edition of this event in Ecuador.”
Maxime Huscenot (FRA), who claimed his maiden ASP World Junior Titles in Australia over last weekend, will be looking for his second World Title in less than a month.
Huscenot said his win in Sydney was a major confidence boost heading into this event. “It's been a big week for me,” he said. “I just hope I can keep my form into this event. I really love surfing in the ISA events. You don't feel like you surfing for yourself. You're a part of a team as well. That's what I like.”
Last week's showdown at North Narrabeen in Sydney, Australia, Huscenot bested a bevy of the world's hottest up-and-coming surfers proving himself as a force on the world surfing stage.
New Zealand ace Sarah Mason will be the host country's main hope of a World Title.
Despite living on Australia's Gold Coast, Mason will be representing her native country for the first time. The 14-year old said she didn't feel pressure to do well. “There's always extra pressure to do well at home, but I'm not feeling it. Hopefully I'll do well along with the team.”
Twenty-one countries from across the globe have confirmed their involvement in the pinnacle event for under-18 surfers. Participating countries include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Hawaii, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Tahiti, USA, and Vanuatu.
Inaugurated in 2003, the eighth edition of the World Junior Surfing Championships will be officially opened at Mission Bay, Auckland at 1pm tomorrow with the Parade of the Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony.
Defending team champions Australia led by reigning U/18 ISA girl's champion Tyler Wright (Lennox Head, NSW, AUS) arrived in New Zealand on Sunday in preparation for their title defense.
Team Australia will be looking to net their fifth consecutive Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships Team title.
Competition will start at 8.00am on the 21st January at Piha Beach, Auckland.
Held at the wildly scenic Piha Beach in New Zealand, the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship will take place from January 20 – 28, 2010.
Pictures and video highlights of the Press Conference are available in www.isaworldjuniors.com and Editorial rights free videos and images in high resolution are available in the following ftp:
FTP Server: ftp.isasurf.org
FTP Username: isasurf_media
Password: download1
The Sands of the World Ceremony as well as the Opening of the event will be webed live here: www.isaworldjuniors.com.
About the ISA
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for Surfing and all Surfriding activities, including Short Board, Longboard, Bodyboard, Kneeboard, Skimboard, Tow In and Stand Up Paddle surfing. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980.
ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over 50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in La Jolla, California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio, and re-elected six times since. The ISA's four Vice Presidents are Alan Atkins (Australia), Robin de Kock (South Africa), Mike Gerard (USA), and Karin Sierralta (Peru).
About Quiksilver (www.quiksilver.com)
Quiksilver is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style. Our aim is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement - the stoke that is the essence of boardriding*. We're also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.
* Boardriding is about timing and style. It's youthful, active, casual, and free flowing. There is no wrong way to ride a board. The goal is simply to learn, progress, improve, and give it your own interpretation.
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