A new, nationally sanctioned event for surfers under the age of 20 will take place at Mount Maunganui in early May.
The Aerial7 Backdoor Pro Junior surfing event will take place on either May 4 or 5 - whichever day produces the best surf.
The addition of the event, which is being hosted by local Bay Boardriders Club, sees the Under-20 Boys Division joined by an Under-20 Girls Division, an age category that is generally not contested by females in New Zealand. The event will have a $1,700 cash prize pool as well as prizes up for grabs.
The Bay of Plenty continues to reap the rewards of a stellar summer of surf and as we head into the depths of autumn, it is hoped that the run of swell continues for this event come the start of May.
Current Under-20 Boys ratings leader, Dune Kennings (WGM), is fresh back from a two-event stint in Tahiti where he has been competing on the ASP Australasian Pro Junior Series. Kennings placed 17th at both events and is looking forward to coming back to New Zealand and competing against guys his own ability level.