at SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western
- Kerr and SchillingClaim MaidenWorld Junior Titles and Earn Place on 2024 Challenger Series
- Benedetto and BunchEarn Runner-up Finishes Amid World-Class Fields
Pictured front page and above: Today, Sierra Kerr (AUS) (L) and Jett Schilling (USA) (R) became WSL World Junior Champions in Oceanside, California.Credit: ©WSL / Morris
OCEANSIDE PIER, Oceanside, Calif., USA (Saturday, January 13, 2024) –Today,Sierra Kerr(AUS) andJett Schilling(USA) won the World Surf League (WSL) 2023SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Westernand added their name to surfing history as WSL World Junior Champions. Kerr and Schilling overcame formidable fields to earn theWorld Junior Titles and claim their spots on the 2024 Challenger Series. Impressive showings fromZoe Benedetto(USA) andJackson Bunch(HAW) earned them runner-up finishes after surmounting world-class opponents as they return to their respective Qualifying Series (QS) events in hopes of joining the 2024 Challenger Series contenders.
A star-studded women’s Final featured one of the sport’s rising stars,Sierra Kerr(AUS), and current North America Qualifying Series (QS) No. 1, event wildcard,Zoe Benedetto(USA). A masterclass performance from Kerr’s signature progression and flair provided a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) after opening the heat with a 7.83. Benedetto’s excellent 8.00 kept her in the heat, but slower conditions tested the Floridian’s patience and didn’t get the opportunity to perform before time expired.
“That was the craziest heat,” said Kerr. “It’s amazing to win. I feel like I haven’t been surfing that good this contest. I went in the Final just going to leave nothing on the table. I felt like I actually surfed good, so I was frothing. I wasn’t even expecting to qualify for the Challenger Series. I forgot that was a thing. That’s insane. Thank you to everyone who came and watched, and everyone that’s watching.”
In the 2022 SAMBAZON World Junior Championships,Sierra Kerr(AUS) established herself as a competitive threat with her Semifinal appearance and continues to push the boundaries of progressive surfing. Kerr backed herself up by winning the 2023 Australia/Oceania Pro Regional title and then showcased even more progression with a flawless run in Oceanside heading into the Final after a 16.17 heat total (out of a possible 20) victory overTalia Swindal(USA) in the Semifinals. Now, Kerr prepares for a big year ahead among the Challenger Series contenders and the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 Championship Tour (CT).
A clash of event standouts delivered fireworks in the men’s Final between Southern California’s ownJett Schillingand Maui, Hawaii’sJackson Bunch(HAW). Schilling wasted no time getting busy, posting a 6.33 on his first wave before finding a gem that allowed him to unleash his quick, powerful backhand for an excellent 8.33. Bunch was able to respond, posting a 6.00, but Schilling was relentless and posted a 7.17 to apply pressure to Bunch before besting that with a 7.90 and become a WSL World Junior Champion.
“It was so special, I couldn’t believe it,” said Schilling. “I just want to thank God and my family first and thank them for everything they’ve done for me This is really special for me, all my friends are here, it’s just surreal. Thank you to everyone. I have to work even harder for this year and just keep going until I get on the CT with all my friends.”
Schilling completed a flawless run of his own, not losing a single heat on the way to becoming the 2023 WSL World Junior Champion. The 20-year-old Schilling battled with fellow Southern CalifornianLevi Slawsonin a stout Semifinal clash and surged past him in brilliant form. One of San Clemente’s rising talents, Schilling now returns to the Challenger Series in hopes of qualifying for the Championship Tour for 2025 alongside his fellow California contingent.
An incredible run from wildcardZoe Benedetto(USA) played the ultimate spoiler throughout competition all the way to the Final. Benedetto, the current North America Qualifying Series (QS) No. 1, surpassed reigning South America Regional Pro Junior victorSol Aguirre(PER) in their Semifinal clash before her Final showdown with eventual WSL World Junior ChampionSierra Kerr(AUS). Now, Benedetto returns to the QS in search of maintaining her re-qualification place onto the 2024 Challenger Series.
“This week is my first World Juniors,” said Benedetto. “I couldn’t be more grateful for my team, my family, my friends, that support me through this. That final was like one of the highlights. I just felt really accomplished making it there. I felt not too pressured. Congrats to Sierra, she’s pushing women’s surfing so much. To share a Final with her is amazing. I’m really grateful. Can’t thank WSL enough, and everyone for making it a special weekend.”
“The waves have been super fun. Just unlucky with the waves in that last heat,” said Bunch. “But, I’m super stoked and super grateful for this opportunity. I’m just having fun and I’m along for the ride.”
For more information, please visitWorldSurfLeague.com.
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Women’s Final Results:
1 – Sierra Kerr (AUS) 16.83
2 – Zoe Benedetto (USA) 11.50
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Men’s Final Results:
1 – Jett Schilling (USA) 16.23
2 – Jackson Bunch (HAW) 13.37
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Zoe Benedetto (USA) 10.17 DEF. Sol Aguirre (PER) 9.77
HEAT 2: Sierra Kerr (AUS) 16.17 DEF. Talia Swindal (USA) 12.26
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Jett Schilling (USA) 14.00 DEF. Levi Slawson (USA) 4.50
HEAT 2: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 16.63 DEF. Leo Casal (BRA) 13.33
The 2023 SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western are proudly supported by SAMBAZON, Best Western, Cup Noodles, Visit Oceanside, Original Sprout, Sun Diego, Boxed Water, Board and Brew, and Tractor Beverage Co.
SATURDAY 1.13.24
Finals DayCalled ON at SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western
- Men’s Semifinals Starts at 7:35 a.m. PST (530AM HI TIME)
- Women’s Semifinals Set to Follow
- 2023 WSL World Junior Champions to be Crowned
- Watch LIVEatWorldSurfLeague.com
Pictured:Current North America Qualifying Series (QS) No. 1 Zoe Benedetto (USA) looks for a maiden WSL World Junior title starting in Semifinal, Heat 1.Credit: ©WSL / Morris
OCEANSIDE PIER, Oceanside, Calif., USA (Saturday, January 13, 2024) –Finals Day at the World Surf League (WSL) 2023SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Westernhas been called back ON for a 7:35 a.m. PST start. Two-to-three foot, clean conditions pulse into the Oceanside Pier lineup with women’s Semifinals first in the water, followed by men’s Semifinals. Winners of the Semifinals will make their way into their respective Finals for their opportunity to become the 2023 WSL World Junior Champion.
An all-Southern Californian affair starts men’s Semifinal action featuringLevi SlawsonandJett Schillingin Heat 1. Then, aclash between reigning Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional QS victorJackson Bunch(HAW) and Brazil’s rising talentLeo Casal(BRA) then gets underwayin Semifinal Heat 2.
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Men’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Levi Slawson (USA) vs. Jett Schilling (USA)
HEAT 2: Leo Casal (BRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA)
HEAT 2: Sierra Kerr (AUS) vs. Talia Swindal (USA)
Watch LIVE
The SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western will open on January 9 and hold a competition window through January 14, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE onWorldSurfLeague.com,WSL’s YouTube channel, and thefree WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
The 2023 SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western are proudly supported by SAMBAZON, Best Western, Cup Noodles, Visit Oceanside, Original Sprout, Sun Diego, Boxed Water, Board and Brew, and Tractor Beverage Co.
EARLIER
Finals Day Locked In and World Junior Champions Ready to Be Crowned
at SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow, Saturday, January 13, at 7:00 a.m. PST for a possible 7:35 a.m. PST start to Finals Day.
- Kerr Puts on a Progressive Clinic, Returns to Semifinals
- Swindal Claims Win in Southern-Californian Quarterfinal Showdown
- Slawson and Schilling Set Up All-American Semifinal Clash With Big Performances
- Casal Remains Lone Brazilian Alongside Hawaii’s Next Gen
……at SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western.
EARLIER UPDATE BELOW
Women’sRound of 16 Starts at 7:35 a.m. PST
Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinals on Schedule
Pictured:Opening Round standout Erin Brooks (CAN) returns to the water in Round of 16, Heat 1.Credit: ©WSL / Morris
OCEANSIDE PIER, Oceanside, Calif., USA (Friday, January 12, 2024) –The World Surf League (WSL) 2023SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Westernhas been called back ON for a 7:35 a.m. PST start. Competitionbegins with women’s Round of 16 heats in three-to-four foot, clean conditionsbefore moving directly into men’s Quarterfinals duals. Then, women’s Quarterfinals bouts will finish the day to determine who earns their place in Finals Day for a chance to become the 2023 WSL World Junior Champion.
2023 South America Regional Pro Junior victorSol Aguirre(PER) and replacement threatEweleiula Wong(HAW) will square off in Heat 2. Aguirre is joined by fellow No. 1’sTalia Swindal(USA),Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri(EUK),Sierra Kerr(AUS),Louise Lepront(RSA), and more looking for their place into the Quarterfinals.
A world-class Quarterfinal draw awaits men’s competition beginning with Encinitas, California’s ownLevi Slawsontaking on event threatHeitor Mueller(BRA) in Heat 1.Jett Schilling(USA) will clash with 2023 South America Pro Junior No. 1Ryan Kainaloin Heat 2 (BRA) before Heat 3 featuresLeo Casal(BRA)facingreigning World Junior ChampionJarvis Earle(AUS). Finally, a battle of event standouts betweenJackson Bunch(HAW) andJoel Vaughan(AUS) finishes Quarterfinal action.
SAMBAZONWorldJunior
HEAT 1: Levi Slawson (USA) vs. Heitor Mueller (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Ryan Kainalo (BRA)
HEAT 3: Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Leo Casal (BRA)
HEAT 4: Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
SAMBAZONWorldJunior
HEAT 1: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Noah Klapp (DEU)
HEAT 2: Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW)
HEAT 3: Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK)
HEAT 4: Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW)
HEAT 5: Sierra Kerr (AUS) vs. Keira Buckpitt (AUS)
HEAT 6: Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Laura Raupp (BRA)
HEAT 7: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Louise Lepront (RSA)
HEAT 8: Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Talia Swindal (USA)
Watch LIVE
The SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western will open on January 9 and hold a competition window through January 14, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE onWorldSurfLeague.com,WSL’s YouTube channel, and thefree WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
- EARLIER UPDATES:
- Vaughan Decimates Round of 16 Proceedings with Event-Best Showing
- Brazilian Duo Mueller and Kainalo Put On Dominant Displays in Oceanside
- Slawson and SchillingContinue Pushing Southern California Forward
- Earle Keeps World Junior Title Defense Intact
- GO LIVE DAY HERE ON YOUTUBE
Pictured:Australia’s Joel Vaughan unleashed the event’s best performance so far with a near-perfect 18.53 heat total.Credit: ©WSL / Morris
OCEANSIDE PIER, Oceanside, Calif., USA (Thursday, January 11, 2024) –A whirlwind day of competition at the World Surf League (WSL) 2023SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Westerndetermined the event’s first Quarterfinalists in three-to-five-foot stormy conditions. Heavy winds forced event organizers to go on hold throughout the morning before conditions cleaned up to complete the men’s Round of 16. The women’s Round of 16 heats were called OFF for the day and will get underway when competition resumes.
2023 standoutJoel Vaughan(AUS) made his statement with a powerful, event-best showing againstTenshi Iwami(JPN). Vaughan’s remarkable forehand attack and aerial antics earned a near-perfect 18.53 (out of a possible 20) heat total with a 9.43 (out of a possible 10) and 9.10. Now, Vaughan prepares to continue this momentum into the Quarterfinals and surge toward a maiden World Junior Championships title.
“I kind of started a little slow, then I think I got an 8.17 on my first one and it was just one turn,” said Vaughan. “Then I fell off and came in, ran around, reset, went back out there and had 15 minutes to go. I had some good waves and had a bit of fun.”
Brazil’sHeitor Muellercontinues to show his composure on the World Junior Championships stage and put a glimpse of his potential on full display. Mueller found a gem amid the stormy conditions and showcased his power on critical sections to earn a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 15.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total against current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) No. 1Shion Crawford(HAW). Now, Mueller enters the Quarterfinals in his World Junior Championships debut with ambitions set on Finals Day.
“I got the two turns and then on the final turn I felt the board getting away from me and I was able to stick it,” said Mueller. “My practice at home in Brazil paid off and I’m stoked to get through that heat. This is the first time I rode this board so I’m very happy it went good and now I’m looking to keep it going in the next heat.”
“I’m pretty happy to make this heat, and I just want to surf in the Quarterfinals,” said Kainalo. “When the left came, I didn’t hear my score and I didn’t know what happened in the heat. Later I tried to stay close to Luke because he’s a good surfer, and I needed to not give him a chance at the heat. But I’m pretty happy to make it because I lost in this round last year. And now two more heats to make the Final, I’m pretty excited.”
Levi Slawson(USA) wasted no time posting the round’s first excellent score, posting an 8.50 on his opening ride against Elimination Round standoutHarley Walters(AUS). Slawson’s signature forehand power led him to a 14.60 heat total in the testy conditions, and he now moves back into the Quarterfinals.
“It was a tricky morning, and I didn’t expect to be as wild and unruly as it was, but I’ve seen this happen a bunch of times here with the winds switching later in the day,” said Slawson. “I think I got the last clean wave of the day with that 8.50. In my mind I didn’t think I was going to make that last turn because I got to it super late. I feel like I haven’t really fully opened up yet and feel like I’m just getting started.”
Reigning World Junior ChampionJarvis Earle(AUS) kept his title defense hopes intact after battling with Elimination Round standoutMonnojo Yahagi(JPN). Also, big performances fromJett Schilling(USA),Leo Casal(BRA), andJackson Bunch(HAW) added their names to the Quarterfinal draw to inch closer to the SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Final.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow, Friday, January 12, at 7:00 a.m. PST to determine a possible 7:35 a.m. PST start for women’s Round of 16 competition.
For more information, please visitWorldSurfLeague.com.
SAMBAZONWorldJunior
HEAT 1: Levi Slawson (USA) 14.50 DEF. Harley Walters (AUS) 7.50
HEAT 2: Heitor Mueller (BRA) 15.00 DEF. Shion Crawford (HAW) 13.20
HEAT 3: Jett Schilling (USA) 10.83 DEF. Sam Piter (FRA) 10.50
HEAT 4: Ryan Kainalo (BRA) 15.83 DEF. Luke Thompson (RSA) 12.83
HEAT 5: Jarvis Earle (AUS) 11.80 DEF. Monnojo Yahagi (JPN) 10.16
HEAT 6: Leo Casal (BRA) 12.37 DEF. Taj Lindblad (USA) 10.80
HEAT 7: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 15.16 DEF. Marlon Harrison (AUS) 13.20
HEAT 8: Joel Vaughan (AUS) 18.53 DEF. Tenshi Iwami (JPN) 12.76
SAMBAZONWorldJunior
HEAT 1: Levi Slawson (USA) vs. Heitor Mueller (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Ryan Kainalo (BRA)
HEAT 3: Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Leo Casal (BRA)
HEAT 4: Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
SAMBAZONWorldJunior
HEAT 1: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Noah Klapp (DEU)
HEAT 2: Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW)
HEAT 3: Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK)
HEAT 4: Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW)
HEAT 5: Sierra Kerr (AUS) vs. Keira Buckpitt (AUS)
HEAT 6: Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Laura Raupp (BRA)
HEAT 7: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Louise Lepront (RSA)
HEAT 8: Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Talia Swindal (USA)
Watch LIVE
The SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western hold a competition window through January 14, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE onWorldSurfLeague.comand thefree WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
The 2023 SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western are proudly supported by SAMBAZON, Best Western, Cup Noodles, Visit Oceanside, Original Sprout, Sun Diego, Boxed Water, Board and Brew, and Tractor Beverage Co.
“The first heat is always kind of scary but it is nice knowing it’s non-elimination,” said Benedetto. “I want to do my best and skip a round if I can so I was just trying to go through the motions and breathe. This is my first World Junior Championships. I haven’t really done that many junior events because I wanted to focus on the QS and making the Challenger Series. But [this event] is something you look at every year and think you wish you were there.”
Dynamic Opening Round wins from 2022 World Junior Championships standoutSierra Kerr(AUS), Africa’s No. 1Louise Lepront(RSA),Noah Klapp(DEU),Bella Kenworthy(USA), South America’s No. 1Sol Aguirre(PER), and Europe’s No. 1Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri(EUK) pushed them straight into the Round of 16.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10, at 7:00 a.m. PST for a possible 7:35 a.m. PST start.
For more information, please visitWorldSurfLeague.com.
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Men’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 13.77 DEF. Tenshi Iwami (JPN) 13.50, Ilay Bochan (ISR) 7.17
HEAT 2: Jett Schilling (USA) 12.33 DEF. Adur Amatriain (EUK) 11.67, Luke Brumby (AUS) 11.17
HEAT 3: Marlon Harrison (AUS) 12.44 DEF. Levi Slawson (USA) 12.40, Luc Lepront (RSA) 10.24
HEAT 4: Jarvis Earle (AUS) 12.17 DEF. Yuma Nagasawa (JPN) 9.30, Reed Platenius (CAN) 7.84
HEAT 5: Joel Vaughan (AUS) 14.44 DEF. Brodi Sale (HAW) 11.84, Monnojo Yahagi (JPN) 11.53
HEAT 6: Ryan Kainalo (BRA) 12.30 DEF. Luke Thompson (RSA) 9.26, Mitch Du Preez (RSA) 7.50
HEAT 7: Heitor Mueller (BRA) 13.84 DEF. Harley Walters (AUS) 13.30, Shion Crawford (HAW) 12.03
HEAT 8: Taj Lindblad (USA) 13.73 DEF. Leo Casal (BRA) 12.03, Sam Piter (FRA) 12.00
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Women’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Bella Kenworthy (USA) 12.34 DEF. Talia Swindal (USA) 10.70, Keira Buckpitt (AUS) 9.93
HEAT 2: Louise Lepront (RSA) 9.16 DEF. Ellie Harrison (AUS) 8.90, Kalea Gervasi (PER) 6.93
HEAT 3: Erin Brooks (CAN) 14.60 DEF. Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 14.00, Cocona Kawase (JPN) 12.27
HEAT 4: Sierra Kerr (AUS) 13.84 DEF. Sky Brown (GBR) 10.23, Anastasia Venter (RSA) 6.83
HEAT 5: Noah Klapp (DEU) 13.83 DEF. Nora Liotta (HAW) 11.10, Zahli Kelly (AUS) 8.67
HEAT 6: Zoe Benedetto (USA) 13.73 DEF. Kana Nakashio (JPN) 13.73, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 11.37
HEAT 7: Sol Aguirre (PER) 12.50 DEF. Laura Raupp (BRA) 11.73, Isabelle Nalu (BRA) 6.46
HEAT 8: Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 13.17 DEF. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) 10.16, Sophia Medina (BRA) 8.13
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Levi Slawson (USA) vs. Yuma Nagasawa (JPN)
HEAT 2: Brodi Sale (HAW) vs. Monnojo Yahagi (JPN)
HEAT 3: Luke Thompson (RSA) vs. Luc Lepront (RSA)
HEAT 4: Tenshi Iwami (JPN) vs. Mitch Du Preez (RSA)
HEAT 5: Shion Crawford (HAW) vs. Luke Brumby (AUS)
HEAT 6: Adur Amatriain (EUK) vs. Harley Walters (AUS)
HEAT 7: Leo Casal (BRA) vs. Ilay Bochan (ISR)
HEAT 8: Reed Platenius (CAN) vs. Sam Piter (FRA)
SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Sky Brown (GBR)
HEAT 2: Laura Raupp (BRA) vs. Kana Nakashio (JPN)
HEAT 3: Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Cocona Kawase (JPN)
HEAT 4: Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Isabelle Nalu (BRA)
HEAT 5: Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Kalea Gervasi (PER)
HEAT 6: Nora Liotta (HAW) vs. Anastasia Venter (RSA)
HEAT 7: Sophia Medina (BRA) vs. Keira Buckpitt (AUS)
HEAT 8: Talia Swindal (USA) vs. Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK)
Watch LIVE
The SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western holds a competition window through January 14, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE onWorldSurfLeague.com,WSL’s YouTube channel, and thefree WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
The 2023 SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Hosted by Best Western are proudly supported by SAMBAZON, Best Western, Cup Noodles, Visit Oceanside, Original Sprout, Sun Diego, Boxed Water, Board and Brew, and Tractor Beverage Co.
