Isla Huppatz has etched her name into surfing history, claiming the women’s title at the World Junior Championships with a nail-biting victory in the Philippines.
Competing in challenging, low-scoring conditions at San Juan, La Union, the Australian rising star delivered when it mattered most, edging out reigning 2023 world champion Sierra Kerr by just half a point. The final scoreline reflected the intensity of the showdown, with Huppatz posting 12.67 to Kerr’s 12.17 in one of the closest finishes of the event.
The final unfolded as a tense tactical battle. Kerr, returning to the world stage after a disrupted year, mounted a determined challenge, while Huppatz showcased sharp, committed turns that earned slightly higher scores from the judges. With seconds remaining on the clock, Huppatz was still waiting for a backup wave, eventually securing the score she needed in the closing moments to clinch her first world junior title.
Overcome with emotion after the result was confirmed, Huppatz described the moment as surreal, admitting she had begun to fear no final opportunity would come. Sharing the decider with one of her closest friends made the win even more special, highlighting the mutual respect between the two Australians who pushed each other throughout the event.
Earlier in the day, Huppatz booked her place in the final with a composed semifinal performance, defeating Hawaii’s Vaihitimahana Inso, before rising again when it counted most on the world stage.
As a proud athlete of the Grow for Gold program, Huppatz’s world title marks a major milestone in her development and reinforces her status as one of Australia’s most exciting young surfers. With confidence high, she now turns her focus to the 2026 Challenger Series, where she will look to carry her momentum onto the next phase of her international career.
Her triumph in the Philippines not only crowns her the world’s best junior surfer, but also signals a bright future ahead as she continues her rise through the global ranks.