Northland teenager Paul Moretti is aiming for the top after being named in the New Zealand junior surfing squad to compete in Panama later this year.
Moretti, 16, said the news was a real confidence boost ahead of this weekend's National Surfing Championships in Piha, where he would be movingup an age category.
"It's good to step up into the under-18 category now if I'm going to do well in Panama or in the rest of the circuit which includes everyone under 20. You've got to take it as it comes really."
The squad is made up of 22 surfers which will be reduced to 12 by the middle of February when the travelling team is named. Before that, the squad will be put through their paces at national events and training camps.
Moretti is grounded in knowing that to make the final cut, he must improve on his technical skills.
"I've been working on heaps of technical things at the moment as well as working on fitness and getting my head in the right space."
The squad's manager, and Mangawhai resident, Tony Baker, said Moretti had every chance of making the team if he prepared and performed well at the upcoming events.
"He's got a really positive attitude and he's definitely the top junior surfer in Northland at this stage. He's got good discipline and is consistent. He's the full package. [But] there are no guarantees he will be in the team yet, although he has certainly got potential."
Moretti and Baker are joined in the squad by Whangarei's Jason Ruddell, the coach.
Moretti said if he did make the team, it would be reassuring to have the support of Baker and Ruddell in Panama.
"It's a lot of money to get together to go over. I have had thoughts of whether I should go if I got selected, but it's awesome to have the support of fellow Northlanders around you so to go over there with them would be great."
Moretti was part of the junior team who went to South America last year where he finished in a disappointing 43rd place in the boys under-16 class.
The disappointing result last year has given Moretti more determination to make the team and make the final this year.
"It's all about results and what you show. I wasn't happy about not making the final but I guess it makes it even better when you do make it."
