Australians Isla Huppatz and Dane Henry completed a stunning sweep of the 2025 World Surf League World Junior Championships Philippines Presented by Purefoods and Magnolia on Sunday at Urbiztondo Beach. The under-20 surfers had to navigate unpredictable one-to-two-foot surf that challenged their timing, wave selection, and small-wave skills throughout the day. Both champions relied on experience and composure to outlast a deep international field and claim the top honors.

The finals unfolded in San Juan, La Union, where tricky sections and inconsistent sets rewarded disciplined surfing and punished mistakes. Competitors needed patience, precision, and strategic wave selection to maximize scoring opportunities. By the end of the day, Australia had secured both titles, demonstrating dominance at the junior level.

Huppatz shines in all-Australian final

Huppatz, 18, defeated fellow Australian and 2023 world junior champion Sierra Kerr in the women’s final, scoring 12.67 points to Kerr’s 12.17. The reigning Australia/Oceania junior titlist handled tricky conditions with technical precision while Kerr competed for the first time after a six-month layoff caused by a tick-bite infection. “I can’t believe it, to be honest, this is crazy,” Huppatz said after claiming one of the event’s top trophies supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, SMC Infrastructure Inc., and BMEG/Nutrichunks.

The victory also secured Huppatz valuable positioning for her first Challenger Series season in 2026. Her performance highlighted strategic wave selection, strong fundamentals, and the ability to maintain composure under pressure. The all-Australian final emphasized the depth of talent emerging from Oceania’s junior surfing programs.

Henry claims career-defining win

Dane Henry scored 13.67 points to decisively defeat Israel’s Nadav Attar, who finished with 11.40 in the men’s final. The Australian demonstrated technical skill, choosing waves wisely and executing maneuvers with precision despite inconsistent surf. “It’s been a massive week, it feels like I’ve been here for about a month,” Henry said. “I want to thank my coach, Adam Dufner, who I’ve trained with for 10 years; I wouldn’t be here without him.”

Henry’s win marked the biggest of his career and positioned him alongside Huppatz for their first season on the Challenger Series in 2026. Their victories highlighted the transition from junior dominance to international competition, signaling Australia’s continued strength in the sport. The championships also reinforced the importance of strategy and adaptability in small-wave conditions.

Local surfers shine in La Union International Pro

Following the junior event, the La Union International Pro attracted one of the largest international longboard fields in WSL history. Local 21-year-old John Bryan Martinez posted an 11.34 heat total that included a 6.67, one of the highest scores of the day. Martinez advanced alongside compatriots Danilo Fontanilla, Jeiru Zen Aribuabo, and Marvin Abat, contributing to a total of 14 Filipino surfers progressing into the round of 64.

Maria Fernanda Reyes of Peru returned to competition with an 8.17 score in the women’s round of 48, besting New Zealand’s Lucy Small, USA’s Indie Hoffman, and Philippines’ Mikee Ramos. The 28-year-old Pan American Games gold medalist praised the waves and the local atmosphere, describing Urbiztondo Beach as “beautiful” and welcoming. France’s Ambre Victoire Damestoy also advanced, eliminating experienced competitors Kaitlin Mikkelsen of the United States and Kirra Molnar of Australia, highlighting the depth and unpredictability of the field.