(Photo courtesy : PIA La Union)
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The successful staging of the 2025 World Junior Championships in San Juan has further cemented La Union’s standing as a premier international surf destination, following a dominant finals-day performance by Australian surfers Isla Huppatz and Dane Henry.
Huppatz captured the women’s crown with a dramatic late surge against 2023 champion Sierra Kerr, capitalizing on wave priority in the closing moments to secure her first World Junior title. Battling shifting conditions off the La Union coast, the Australian surfer said the victory carried added meaning given the challenging lineup and strong local support.
On the men’s side, Henry delivered a commanding run through the finals bracket. He opened the day with a last-second win over Lennix Smith before overpowering Israel’s Nadav Attar in the championship heat, completing an Australian sweep of the event.
Both Huppatz and Henry earned direct qualification to the 2026 Challenger Series, a crucial pathway toward competing on the 2027 Championship Tour, the sport’s highest professional level.
Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Ana Carmela Ventura Remigio, who attended the finals, said the successful hosting of the international competition underscored the Philippines’ readiness to stage world-class sporting events. She noted that beyond elite competition, the tournament highlighted the growing role of sports tourism in regional development.
Remigio added that surfing provides a platform to showcase La Union and Northern Luzon to a global audience, blending athletic excellence with local culture and community engagement.
The championship reinforced the reputation of San Juan, La Union, as a consistent stop for international surfing events, drawing attention not only to high-level performances in the water but also to the province’s coastal lifestyle—an appeal that continues to attract athletes, fans, and tourists from around the world.