The next wave of Whāingaroa Raglan talent is rolling in, with local groms getting the chance to hang ten alongside some of the world’s best through the World Surf League’s (WSL) Rising Tides and Local Grom Board Caddy programmes.
Supported by the Māori Board Riders and Raglan Point Boardriders, the initiatives are giving young surfers a shot at paddling out with elite athletes and soaking up the buzz of the WSL Championship Tour from the inside.
Twelve of Raglan’s young surf guns have been selected for Rising Tides and will take to the water at Manu Bay during the official practice day on Thursday, May 14, scoring a once-in-a-lifetime session with the pros.
Heemi Ngahere from the Māori Board Riders says both clubs have worked with the WSL organisers to secure places for local surfers, ensuring the next generation gets a taste of world class competition.
“Our young surfers today are so vibrant that they just jump into everything and anything,” Heemi says. “If the doors open for them, we want to put them in there, and WSL has opened this door for them with Rising Tides.”
After taking out the Māori Board Riders Open Men’s comp at the end of last year, 15-year-old local surfer Mako Gridelli-Muru has earned his spot in the Rising Tides lineup.
“I’m looking forward to getting some experience and catching some waves with the pros,” he says, adding it’s a stepping stone towards his goal of one day competing on the CT circuit.
In total, 30 young Kiwi surfers – 15 boys and 15 girls – will have the opportunity to surf alongside Championship Tour athletes.
From first waves to sharing line-ups with the pros, Rising Tides is designed as a pathway to the sport’s top tier. With more than 19 alumni already stepping up to the Championship Tour, the programme is helping shape surfing’s future.
Meanwhile, local surfers under 14 will get in on the action as board caddies, a key role behind the scenes. These groms will be on hand to manage backup boards and sprint them down the beach when needed – keeping the pro surfers in the game.
For many, it’s not just about carrying boards, but about being part of the energy, learning the ropes, and getting close to the heart of competitive surfing.
