Two Bay Boardriders will battle the waves in Peru next month when representing New Zealand at the junior world surfing championships.
Mount Maunganui surfers Vitor Bauermann and Tao Mouldey secured spots to compete in the 2025 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Junior Surfing Championship in Punta Rocas from December 5-14 by winning their respective categories at the New Zealand Championships back in January.
Tao Mouldey, who won the Under-18 national title at the NZ Championships, said it meant a lot that he had the opportunity to represent his country in a world championship.
“It honestly feels unreal. The under-18s are stacked every year, so to come out on top against guys I’ve battled with for ages was a pretty special moment. It [the NZ Championships] was one of those comps where everything just clicked.”
Bay Boardrider surfers Tao Mouldey and Vitor Bauermann will be representing New Zealand at the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Punta Rocas, Peru on December 5-14. Photo / Supplied
Going into the junior world finals, Mouldey planned to keep it simple and “pick the best waves, trust my surfing, and stay patient”.
The 17-year-old said this seemed to do the job back in January and carried him into the final.
Mouldey described his surfing style as “smooth, powerful and creative”.
“Wearing the fern on the world stage is something most Kiwis dream about. It’s a chance to test myself against the best juniors in the world and also represent the people and place that have supported me since day one.”
Mouldey said all competitors would be pushing the level, and he was excited to see how his surfing stacked up against the rest.
“I love watching how different surfers approach heats and waves, so just being around that environment is a big learning opportunity.”
Juggling act
Balancing training, school and high-level competitions was a juggling act for the Year 13 Tauranga Boys’ College student, but he said he had a good routine and good people around him.
“I try to stay on top of schoolwork early so it doesn’t pile up, and plan my training around the surf instead of forcing it. When you love it, it’s easier to make everything fit.”
Mouldey said the Mount Maunganui surf community played a massive role in his development as a surfer.
“The Mount has such a supportive surf community – from coaches to groms to the older crew who’ve been around forever.
“Growing up here has given me the best mix of encouragement, competition, and people who genuinely want to see you succeed.”
Mouldey said he wanted to keep building, improving and making an impact on the international stage. His goal is to move into NZ open competitions and eventually overseas events to work towards the Challenge Series and beyond.
Bay Boardrider surfer Vitor Bauermann will be representing New Zealand at the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Punta Rocas, Peru on December 5-14. Photo / Supplied
Vitor Bauermann, who won the Under-16 national title at the NZ Championship in January, said the highlight was walking up the rocks to his friends cheering him on.
The 15-year-old planned to prepare for the world junior finals by training at home and spending as much time as possible in the water. The homeschooler had spent the past three months training in the Gold Coast and only recently returned for the NZ junior team training squad session.
He flew back to the Gold Coast last Wednesday to continue training.
“I’m really confident, and my surfing is feeling really good. I can’t wait to go to Peru with the whole team.”
Respect everyone
Bauermann was most excited to prove himself on an international level.
“My ultimate goal is to make the tour and become a pro surfer. Surfing at the Mount has really made me as a surfer. It’s helped me to adapt to different surf conditions.”
He said his biggest influences had been Gabriel Medina and Clay Marzo. His advice to younger surfers was to “respect everyone when surfing, be humble and limit all distractions”.