Moretti brothers named in team

Months of hard work has paid off for Mimiwhangata surfers Joe and Paul Moretti, who were both included in the 12-strong junior Kiwi team to contest the 2011 Quiksilver ISA World Surfing Championship, in Peru during May.
The Northland siblings were named in a wider-training squad which was culled as members took part in training camps, and various competitions around the country in the past three months, Joe Moretti, 17, explained.
"Since January we have been training hard ... we had a pretty good training camp where selectors put us through fitness training and simulated situations where we were under pressure, and we had to show them how we would deal with any problem that might arise ... my fitness was really good so that was positive but there is always room to improve," he said.
While Joe Moretti made the New Zealand team for the 2009 World Championship, it is 15-year-old Paul Moretti's first crack at the Worlds, to be held at Punta Hermosa, Peru, renowned for its all year round solid swells.
"We got the result we wanted - it's Paul's first year in the team and he's happy. Our folks are pretty pleased for us that we both made it in," Joe Moretti said.
Earlier this year, Joe Moretti shifted from Mimiwhangata to Mount Maunganui to start a diploma in marine studies.
"It's going well down here ... I've been working on getting my dive tickets and boat masters. We've been lucky on the east coast this year - I think there's only been three or four days where I haven't been able to go for a surf. The pool and gym facilities are good here too so I've been swimming, running and at the gym a lot when I'm not surfing."
The move has also meant Joe Moretti is closer to most North Island surf competitions - essential if he wants to improve his surfing.
During the last few months he has contested the Mount Maunganui Pro, the Billabong Pro and the Rip Curl Pro, surfing in both the under-20 and open men's grade for extra competition.
Meanwhile, younger brother Paul also moved to Raglan during the summer, to attend the Raglan Surfing Academy.
In that time, Paul Moretti has contested many of the junior events around the country, including the Billabong Grom Series, where at Whangamata he came runner-up. The Rip Curl New Zealand Junior Surfing Team includes surfers from Whangamata Northland, Auckland, Raglan, Gisborne and Mount Maunganui.
"I think it should be a strong team over there ... but to be honest, I haven't thought about it too much, I've had so much else to think about - training, school and also raising funds to get to Peru."
While "stoked" to be included in the team, Moretti said every individual has to pay their own way to Peru which would not be easy. Between now and May, the brothers will compete in a few more national series events, along with regional and club events and the team training camp in April - and fundraising - ahead of the world championships which start on May 21 and conclude on May 29.
New Zealand Junior Surfing Team
Under-18 Boys: Ben Poulter (Rag), Joe Moretti (Mimiwhangata), Tane Wallis (Piha), Todd Doyle (Mnt). Non-travelling reserve: Tyler Lawson (H Bay).
Under-18 Girls: Alexis Poulter (Rag), Ella Williams (WGM), Grace Spiers (WGM), Sarah Mason (Gis). Non-travelling reserve: Jayda Martin-Fitzharris (Gis).
Under-16 Boys: Adam Grimson (Gis), Dune Kennings (WGM), Elliot Paerata - Reid (Piha), Paul Moretti (Mimiwhangata). Non-travelling reserve: Sean Kettle (Tara).