Surfing: Experienced youngsters head team

Ben Poulter. Photo / Dean Purcell

Jayda Martin-Fitzharris is back for her fourth tilt at the world junior surfing championships in Panama but says the experience of being selected to compete is as exciting as the first time.

Surfing New Zealand today named 12 surfers to compete at the world championships in April and Martin-Fitzharris is one of two who has travelled to the last three editions.

"Ben Poulter and I have been in the team for years now," Martin-Fitzharris said. "I got a phone call from Dad yesterday about being selected and to be honest I was just as excited as the first time I made the team."

The experience of the pair will help the newcomers who often struggle with international competition and being in a different country.

Whangamata's Ella Williams is part of the team for the second year running and feels her experience gained from touring to Peru in 2011 will count for a lot.

"The first year is always getting a feel for competing internationally. I am a bit more prepared this time around, I know what to expect. Actually, I am much more prepared." said Williams, having already done research on the surf break where the event is being held and sticking to a full fitness programme.

Piha surfer Elliot Paerata-Reid, who found out about his selection via Facebook, is back for his third world championships even though he's still in the under-16 division.

The confident young surfer is going over to do nothing but win the event. He was the highest-placed Kiwi in the boy's under-16 division in 2011 in 31st but this year he sees his chances in a much different way.

"I going over there to win to be honest, hopefully I can achieve that goal. My preparation so far is way better after carrying out fitness training in the gym and running. My surfing is a lot be than last year too" said Paerata-Reid.

New Zealand junior surfing squad to compete at the ISA world surfing championships, Playa Venao, Panama, on April 14-22:

Boy's under-18: Ben Poulter (Raglan), Mackenzie Christie (Mt Maunganui), Paul Moretti (Mimiwhangata), Tane Wallis (Piha). Non-travelling reserve: Jules Craft (Gisborne)

Girl's under-18: Alethea Lock (Chch), Ella Williams (Whangamata), Jasmine Smith (Gisborne), Jayda Martin-Fitzharris (Gisborne). Non-travelling reserve: Dayna Story (Gisborne).

Boy's under-16: Dune Kennings (Whangamata), Elliot Paerata-Reid (Piha), Jordan Griffin (Mt Maunganui), Korbin Hutchings (Gisborne). Non-travelling reserve: Harrison Whiteside (Chch).