A new generation of surfers made significant waves in Ireland and Indonesia as the Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro and Nias Pro events delivered standout performances from junior and emerging talents, signaling an exciting future for international surfing.
Key Takeaways
- Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro in Ireland spotlights Europe’s top under-20 surfers.
- Swell increases led to high-stakes rounds for both men and women.
- Nias Pro (Indonesia) crowns new champions, headlined by back-to-back wins from Dylan Wilcoxen.
- Imari Hearn’s first professional victory marks a dramatic jump in regional rankings.
Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro Ignites Competition in Ireland
Bundoran, Donegal, played host to elite junior surfers for the third stop on this year’s World Surf League (WSL) Europe Junior Qualifying Series. The event opened in challenging, stormy surf at Tullan Strand but quickly escalated as the swell improved.
Leading male competitors like John John Rabinovitch, Peru Zuniga, and Axel Dominguez navigated the shifting conditions with poise. Dominguez, in particular, scored the day’s highest combined heat score, signaling his intent to climb the rankings. Local favorite Joshua Karbus delivered a highlight upset, advancing past the event’s top seed and earning a Quarterfinals berth.
On the women’s side, Europe’s rising stars—Naïa Monte, Maria Salgado, and Carla Morera De La Vall—advanced confidently to the Semifinals. Anais Blanchard impressed with a commanding backhand display, while local Irish hopes Ruby Fanning, Isabella O’Reilly, and Maria Butler ended their campaigns earlier than hoped. The tight competition sets the stage for an anticipated Finals Day as rankings remain razor-thin at the top.
Nias Pro: Breakthroughs and Back-to-Back Wins in Indonesia
Thousands of miles away in Indonesia’s iconic Lagundri Bay, the Nias Pro QS 6,000 and Pro Junior events saw a coming-of-age moment for several young surfers. Lucy Darragh of Australia delivered a breakthrough in the women’s final, narrowly overcoming compatriot Charli Hately. Her victory, celebrated with her father, vaulted her to the top of the Australia/Oceania regional rankings.
In the men’s division, 16-year-old Dylan Wilcoxen, a local from the Mentawai Islands, claimed both Pro QS 6,000 and Pro Junior titles within days—making him the first Indonesian since 2023 to win the top Nias event. Wilcoxen’s attacking style and consistency earned him accolades and the leadership position in the Asia regional rankings.
Imari Hearn, representing Bali, clinched her first-ever Pro Junior win at just 15. Hearn’s powerful start in the final set the pace for a close contest, edging out Jasmine Studer and other strong contenders. Her victory lifts her to the summit of the Asia Pro Junior rankings, reflecting the surge of new talent in the region.
The Road Ahead for Surfing’s New Guard
With high-quality performances in both Ireland and Indonesia, the future of surfing looks brighter than ever. The Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro and Nias Pro not only showcased today’s talent but also reshuffled regional and global rankings, ensuring competitive excitement in upcoming qualifying events. As these young athletes continue to push boundaries, fans can expect even more exhilarating displays from surfing’s next generation.
Sources
- Competition Kicks Off At Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro, World Surf League.
- Top Contenders Emerge at Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro, World Surf League.
- Lucy Darragh and Dylan Wilcoxen Win Nias Pro QS 6,000, World Surf League.
- Dylan Wilcoxen and Imari Hearn Win Nias Pro Junior, World Surf League.
