PERU is hosting the premier international junior surfing competition, the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship (WJSC) from 5-14 December 2025.
Emerald Beach local and popular Kiwi transplant Benji Lowen will be representing New Zealand in the U16 division at Punta Rocos and will be carrying the support of the Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club and the whole surfing community of the Coffs Coast.
The road to the WJSC is the most direct pathway to Olympic glory.
It is a vital testing ground for any young aspiring surfer seeking a professional career beginning in the World Qualifying Series, then the Challenger Series, and the ultimate prize of the Championship Tour.
The international event brings teams from surfing nations all over the world with the groups of 12 consisting of three boys and three girls in u16 and u18 divisions.
When Benji first arrived at Emerald Beach several years ago as a grom, his potential was clear.
He has blossomed into a potent surfing weapon, featuring in the winning Coffs Harbour team in the Australian Boardriders Battle NSW Northern Qualifier on 15 November, which provides entrance into the Grand Final Australian Boardriders Battle in March 2026.
In July, Benji dominated his division with a convincing win at Park Beach in solid conditions to take out the Rip Curl Grom Search OZ Cup, displaying an impressive ability to handle difficult conditions and posting excellent scores to seal the win.
Benji told News Of The Area that his favourite competitive highlight was “winning NZ Nationals in 2024 because all my friends and fam were there, which made the competition so fun and the win even better”.
He has a range of sponsors supporting his aspirations including Volcom, Lost Australia, FSC, Dragon, Reef and Coopers.
When asked by News Of The Area about his dream conditions and dream spot, he said “it would be pumping offshore Speedies at G-Land with a perfect roll into the tube”.
By Kim SATCHELL
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