Nippers Set to Shine at the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Hayden Kenny Classic.

The future stars of surf sports are back in the spotlight this Sunday, with the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series bringing the U11 andU14 Nipper Competition to the Hayden Kenny Classic. After a huge showing at the Port Macquarie World Youth Championships, the nation’s best young surf athletes are ready to light it up again on the Sunshine Coast.

The Sunshine Coast is the perfect home for the Nipper Hayden Kenny Classic, bringing families, clubs, and future champions together on one of Australia’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

The Conditions are expected to be perfect for the Sunday event. With Sunny skies and a small wave for the young guns to negotiate

Fresh off big performances across Iron, Swim and Board, the next generation arrives with momentum, confidence and plenty of storylines to watch.

The Nipper component of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series is more than just a junior race day it’s an investment in the grassroots of surf sports. By showcasing U11–U14 athletes on the same stage as Australia’s elite, the Series brings the entire pathway to life.

Kids race in front of big crowds, under professional infrastructure, with commentators calling their names and cameras capturing every moment. It makes surf sports feel real, exciting, and full of possibility.

For many of these juniors, this is their first taste of a high-level event environment — and that experience is what sparks long-term passion for our sport. Shaw and Partners isn’t just supporting events; they’re building confidence, connection and aspiration in the next generation. This is how a grassroots sport grows, and the Hayden Kenny Classic youth competition is a perfect example of that mission in action.

Below are a few of the match ups we are excited to see!

U14 Boys : A Talus vs Jordan Showdown Brewing

Port Macquarie delivered one of the tightest U14 contests we’ve seen in years.
Talus Manning (North Burleigh) and Jordan Prince (Wanda) traded blows all day, going 1–2 across the Iron and Swim, setting up one of the most anticipated rivalries of the weekend.

Add in Dylan O’Connor (Mermaid Beach)  the dominant Board winner  and you suddenly have a three-way battle to watch.

 

U14 Girls :The Freeman vs Hoo Rivalry Rolls On

The U14 girls’ division is absolutely stacked. At Port Macquarie, Mia Hoo (North Bondi) and Zahnie Freeman (North Burleigh) went toe-to-toe in every race.

Freeman swept the Swim and Board double, while Hoo claimed the Ironwoman. Expect another huge showdown on Sunday.

 

U13 Boys :Liam Blair the One to Beat

Port Macquarie confirmed it:
Liam Blair (Swansea Belmont) is the standout athlete of this age group, pulling off a clean sweep in the Iron, Swim and Board.

Fresh slate ahead of the u13 boys battle, who will rise?

 

U13 Girls :Sunshine Beach Rising

Sunshine Beach’s squad continues to impress.
Millie Gaudry took the Iron, Isabel Czajkowskyj dominated the Swim, and Billie Berg was superb on the Board.

This is a deep, talented group and they’ll be right in the mix again.

 

U12 Boys :Wide-Open and Full of Talent

Three winners from three races last round shows how tight this division is.

        Ironman: Jensen Kocian (Tallebudgera)

Swim: Joseva Ranatawake (Manly)

Board: Archie Killorn (Maroochydore)

Expect more unpredictability on Sunday. You never know who will stand up and rise.

 

 

U12 Girls : Evie Glore Is on a Tear

Evie Glore (Tallebudgera) is the form athlete after winning both the Ironwoman and Swim at Port Macquarie.

But Indi Hoetzer (Swansea Belmont) grabbed the Board win and can absolutely push her, alongside Emerson Hoo and Neve Harrison.

 

U11 Boys: River Casey Lighting It Up

River Casey (North Curl Curl) took out both Iron and Board last round and arrives with serious confidence.

Max Pyper (Wanda) and Clive Morriss (Avoca Beach) will be strong challengers.

 

U11 Girls: Aria Freeman is set too Dominates

One of the standout athletes of the entire Port Macquarie round, Aria Freeman (North Burleigh) swept Iron, Swim and Board in flawless fashion.

If she’s anywhere near that form again, she'll be incredibly hard to stop.

 

The Next Generation Takes Centre Stage

The Hayden Kenny Classic Youth Competition continues the Series’ commitment to inspiring, uplifting and investing in the next wave of surf sport talent.

Young guns will set fireworks off at 9am at Alexandra headlands beach on the beautiful Sunshine coast.

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 LIVE RESULTS

 

 

Thanks again to our major partners for help shaping the grass roots to our sport.