AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (4 June 2025) — Surfing New Zealand has officially announced its Open team for the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games, set to take place in El Salvador from 5 to 14 September 2025. The selected group is one of the youngest in recent history, featuring a new wave of talent ready to represent Aotearoa on the international stage.
This year’s team includes six promising surfers—three men and three women—who will compete in the Open Men’s and Open Women’s divisions at La Bocana and El Sunzal, two of Central America’s best-known point breaks.
2025 New Zealand Open Surfing Team
Open Men:
- Theo Morse (Raglan)
- Will Hardie (Piha)
- Christian Fougere (Piha)
Open Women:
- Ava Henderson (Christchurch)
- Alani Morse (Raglan)
- Lola Groube (Pauanui)
The 2025 squad reflects a new era in New Zealand surfing. Most of the surfers are in their teens or early twenties and have already proven their skills in both national and international competitions.
“This is one of the youngest Open teams we’ve selected in recent history,” said Ben Kennings, CEO of Surfing New Zealand. “It’s exciting to see such a talented wave of young athletes stepping up. They’ve earned their spots and now have the opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best. This isn’t just about 2025—it’s also about building for the future.”
Rising Talents Ready to Shine
Theo Morse, from Raglan, joins the senior team for the first time. Known for his smooth, technical style, Morse has already impressed with his strong performances overseas. His natural-foot approach is well suited to El Salvador’s long, clean waves.
Will Hardie, based in Piha, brings power, energy, and a smart competitive mindset. He has consistently placed on national podiums and is expected to be a strong competitor at the event.
Christian Fougere, also from Piha, is one of the sport’s most promising young talents. With an aggressive vertical attack and excellent wave judgment, he has advanced quickly through New Zealand’s junior and Open ranks.
On the women’s side, Ava Henderson continues to set the pace for young Kiwi surfers. A former ISA World Junior Champion, she combines experience, confidence, and high-performance surfing, making her a strong medal contender in El Salvador.
Alani Morse, the younger sister of Theo, has gained national attention following a breakout season. Her solid fundamentals and fast-evolving aerial skills have made her one of the most exciting young surfers in the country.
Lola Groube, from Pauanui, completes the women’s lineup. Known for her fearless style and powerful turns, Groube has stood out in recent national events and brings fresh energy and potential to the team.
Looking Ahead to Global Success
Although the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games will not affect Olympic qualification, the event remains one of the most prestigious on the calendar. It offers essential international experience and ranking points as athletes look ahead to future competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
New Zealand has a proud history at the ISA World Surfing Games, having participated since the 1960s. At the 2024 edition in Puerto Rico, the Kiwi team placed 18th among more than 50 nations. This year’s young squad aims to improve on that result and gain valuable exposure at the elite level.
The ISA World Surfing Games is considered the most important team surfing event in the world. Following surfing’s Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 and its spectacular return in Paris 2024 at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, the sport continues to grow on the world stage.