Six Aussies progress to the quarterfinals at the 2023 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

Six Aussies have advanced to the quarterfinals at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.

Day six of the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Brazil saw some clutch performances and narrow losses in challenging conditions. The shorebreak waves on offer at Praia da Macumba provided each heat with a flurry of activity, especially with such high quality surfers competing in each match-up.

For the second day in a row, a shortened day of competition was held due to the combination of small swell and high tide. These conditions meant that heats could change within a matter of seconds.

The Junior Irukandjis team displayed an impressive performance as surfers battled for progression into the quarterfinals. Fletcher Kelleher posted the highest heat total of 14.26 in U16 Boys. In U18 Boys, Lennix Smith and Harley Walters, also advanced to the quarters.

In U16 Girls, Isla Huppatz won her round four heat, securing her place in the quarterfinals alongside Sierra Kerr. Coco Cairns finished second in her heat in U18 Girls, ensuring her progression to day seven of the competition.

Surfing Australia’s Clancy Dawson, who is coaching the national team, said they were looking forward to the challenge of finals day and would be giving it their all.

Despite losing four surfers, Australia continues to lead the team rankings, ahead of Spain, the USA, Portugal and Brazil.

For more information, visit the ISA event website HERE.

About the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship:
The best junior surfers from every part of the globe will contend for medals in this prestigious event that has proved itself as a direct pathway to the Olympic Games, with Stephanie Gilmore among past ISA World Junior Champions.

2023 Junior Irukandjis team:

U18 Girls
Coco Cairns (Tewantin, QLD)
Jahly Stokes (Buddina, QLD)
Keira Buckpitt (Culburra Beach) *Junior Irukandjis team Captain

U18 Boys
Harley Walters (Angourie, NSW)
Lennix Smith (Barrack Point, NSW) *Junior Irukandjis team Captain
Willis Droomer (Jan Juc, VIC)

U16 Girls
Isla Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD)
Milla Brown (Newport, NSW)
Sierra Kerr (Bilinga, QLD)

U16 Boys
Kash Brown (Cronulla, NSW)
Rico Haybittle (Palm Beach, QLD)
Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW)