WORLD’S BEST JUNIOR WINDSURFERS ARRIVE IN GERALDTON FOR HISTORIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
WORLD’S BEST JUNIOR WINDSURFERS ARRIVE IN GERALDTON FOR HISTORIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
WORLD’S BEST JUNIOR WINDSURFERS ARRIVE IN GERALDTON FOR HISTORIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The Junior World Wave Championship Grand Final is all set to kick off in Geraldton, Western Australia next weekend (Jan 10-18th!).
Some of the world’s best junior windsurfers have arrived in Geraldton, Western Australia, as preparations begin for the Junior World Wave Championship Grand Final, the first time the prestigious event has ever been hosted in Australia.
International attention is firmly on Geraldton, with elite youth competitors from Japan, Europe and Australia converging on the region to train ahead of the title showdown.
Team Japan has sent three of its top youth athletes, including Asia’s number one junior girl, Natsuki Wakasa (17) and Asia’s number one junior boy, Ryoma Sugi (16). Sugi is no stranger to world titles, having claimed the U15 World Wave Championship in 2023.
Sugi headed up to Geraldton on Tuesday, saying,
“I’m really happy and excited to be in Geraldton. It’s an honour to compete in the World Grand Final and I’m grateful for this opportunity. Becoming world champion would be a dream come true and would motivate me to keep improving and pushing myself. It’s fun to learn from each other and share the stoke for windsurfing together.”
In the boys’ division, Sugi faces strong competition from Europe’s top-ranked junior Javier Escribano (16) and Australia’s number one junior Tyler Wallrodt (17) in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive field.
The girls’ division will see Australia’s top-ranked junior Sarah Kenyon (17) competing on home waters in Geraldton, where she is considered a favourite. However, she will face fierce opposition from the hard-charging Japanese girls, Wakasa and Nozome Sakai, as well as upcoming Perth riders, such as Ines Callenaere (13 years) and Thura Van Essen (15 years).
“I’m pretty excited because I’m getting to meet the new generation of young windsurfing girls and I get to make friends with them,” says an enthusiastic Kenyon. “The competition encourages me because there are more girls and they are trying new things and that makes me want to try new things too.”
Geraldton is renowned globally for its consistent wind and powerful waves, with forecasts predicting ideal competition conditions throughout the event window. Competition heats will be run on windy afternoons from 10–18 January 2026, with potential locations including Sunset Beach, Coronation Beach and Oakajee River Mouth.
MORE EVENT INFO HERE:
Date: 10-18 January 2026
Disciplines:
- 2025 Junior World Wave Grand U18 Wave Male & Female – open to experienced wavesailing youth aged under 18 as of 31 December, 2025
- 2026 Oceania Youth Wave Events: U13 / U15 / U21 Wave Male & Female
- 2026 Oceania Junior Windsurf Camp: Open to recreational youth windsurfers aged under 21.
- 2025 Junior World Wave Grand U18 Wave Male & Female – open to experienced wavesailing youth aged under 18 as of 31 December, 2025
- 2026 Oceania Youth Wave Events: U13 / U15 / U21 Wave Male & Female
- 2026 Oceania Junior Windsurf Camp: Open to recreational youth windsurfers aged under 21.
Location: Geraldton, Australia
Registration: Open via the Windsurfing WA website https://www.windsurfingwa.org.au/events from 16 September 2025. Note you will need to join Windsurfing WA as a member first and then register for the event.
Competitions & Events: This event has three separate event components that cater for water competent youth aged under 21 years. View here to check what the event is about.
2024 Oceania Youth Wave Titles Documentary
2025 U18 Youth World Grand Final. This event will have 200% world ranking points as a Grand Final and will help determine the 2025 male and female Junior Wave Champions. Results from this event will be combined with two other events from the 2025 season to determine the overall champion for 2025. Competitors need to be under 18 as of Dec 31 2025 to be eligible.
2026 Jaffle Shack Oceania Youth Wave Titles. This event will have 100% world ranking points and results will count for the 2026 season. This event will be held separate to the U18 Junior Grand Final but will be held in part of the same waiting period. Competitors from the U18 Junior World Grand Final may also enter this competition. A minimum of three competitors is required for each division and divisions usually exist for
- U13 Boys/Girls
- U15 Boys/Girls
- Pro Junior (U21) Boys/Girls
Normally we have run an U18 Boys/Girls division as well, but given we are running the U18s as a 2025 Grand Final, we are not guaranteeing that we will run this division as a second separate event for 2026 world ranking points. If the weather cooperates and we have time and energy, we may choose to run a second U18 event as part of the 2026 rankings, but this is only a possibility, it is NOT a guarantee. Competitors for the 2026 U18 Oceania Youth Wave Titles would need to be under 18 as of December 31, 2026.
Junior Windsurf Camp. A fun, social camp where youth aged under 21 of any skill level in windsurfing are given coaching over two days.
Coaching is given in beach starts, water starts, harnesses, planing, gybing, tacking, jumping, wave riding, forward loops, back loops, push loops – whatever it is that the individual youth needs.
Note that the camp relies on volunteer parent instruction and support, so we need at least one parent/guardian to volunteer and assist at the event for each family entrant.
General Schedule
10-18th January 2026. The U18 Youth Wave Grand Final will take priority for the best 1-2 days of the entire period.
12-18th January 2026. The Jaffle Shack Oceania Youth Wave Titles will then be run on the next most suitable 2-day window after completion of the U18 Grand Final.
12-18th January 2026. The Junior Windsurf Camp will be run on any two days not taken up with competition. Youth and families are still welcome to windsurf together on non-competing/non-camp days, but there will be no safety or formal coaching providing.
15th January 2026. Outdoor Movie night at Coronation Beach
17th January 2026. Presentation/party night at Jaffle Shack, 188 Marine Terrace, Geraldton.
10-18th January 2026. The U18 Youth Wave Grand Final will take priority for the best 1-2 days of the entire period.
12-18th January 2026. The Jaffle Shack Oceania Youth Wave Titles will then be run on the next most suitable 2-day window after completion of the U18 Grand Final.
12-18th January 2026. The Junior Windsurf Camp will be run on any two days not taken up with competition. Youth and families are still welcome to windsurf together on non-competing/non-camp days, but there will be no safety or formal coaching providing.
15th January 2026. Outdoor Movie night at Coronation Beach
17th January 2026. Presentation/party night at Jaffle Shack, 188 Marine Terrace, Geraldton.
Note that Paul Van Bellen’s Wave Rally World Championships runs at Coronation Beach from 9th to 11th January 2026. During that period, our social activities will combine with the Wave Rally. Families are also welcome to enter the Wave Rally, however U18 competitors are on stand-by to compete for the entire period from 10th– 18th January.
Windsurfing Beaches
Coronation Beach, Geraldton for the junior windsurf camp and the U13 Oceania Youth Wave event. Coronation Beach has easy, flat water in front, which flows in some soft, small swells that crumble at best. Further out the back is bigger, but still quite soft waves. It’s the perfect place for junior windsurfers of all levels, plus more advanced riders can still loop and waveride out the back. The younger, less experienced competitors can still ride the smaller inside break at Coronations, whilst the more experienced/confident riders can ride out the back. Coronation Beach is around a 30 minute drive north of Geraldton.
CORONATION
The Spot, Oakajee River Mouth. A popular option for the more advanced riders (eg, U21 Pro Junior, U18 Junior and possibly U15 depending on conditions and skill level). We’re likely to run at the Spot if the swell is small. A 4WD is needed for the Spot but lifts will be arranged for competitors without a 4WD. It is a 15 minute drive South from Coronation Beach on sand and dirt roads.
Sunset Beach, Geraldton. A great option for the more advanced riders (eg, U21 Pro Junior, U18 Junior and possibly U15 depending on conditions and skill level) when the swell is larger. Has a grassy rigging area, showers, toilets and convenient parking and viewing. Right next to the Sunset Beach Caravan Park.
Accommodation
Coronation Beach Campground https://www.chapmanvalley.wa.gov.au/visit-chapman-valley/where-to-stay-and-eat/places-to-stay.aspx. Camping right at Coronation Beach with long drop toilets, no showers and no power. Suitable for those with full camping gear who want to stay right on the beach. Booking in advance is NOT possible, you just get a camping spot if one is available when you turn up.
Coropark https://coropark.com.au/ . A new campground at Coronation Beach similar to above with no showers and unpowered sites only. Also suitable for those with full camping gear, however advance bookings ARE possible.
Goodies Eco-Camp. https://www.goodiesecocamp.com/ Camping near Coronation. Beach with showers, toilets, communal cooking facilities. Suitable for camping and caravans and can be booked in advance.
Sunset Beach Holiday Park. www.sunsetbeachpark.com.au A full caravan park situated closer to Geraldton, right on the beach. Has units available, with fridge, beds, TV, microwave and some with a stovetop. Suits those coming from overseas or interstate without camping gear.
Hotels/Motels: Geraldton also has a large range of hotels/motels.
Video: Check this accommodation overview video here:
Transport Options to Geraldton
Arriving into Western Australia. International flights to arrive at Perth airport.
Flying to Geraldton (one hour). Domestic flights between Perth and Geraldton can be booked on Qantas Airlines or Nexus Airlines. There are multiple flights each day and the flight takes around one hour. You’ll need to catch a bus to the Domestic airport and allow time to do this. However, these planes are often small and may not be able to take windsurf gear.
Driving to Geraldton (4.5 hours). From Perth airport, get on Tonkin Hwy, State Route 4 (look for Highway names, not numbers generally). Then take National Route 1 and Brand Highway to Geraldton. There are plenty of car hire options at the airport. A 4WD is the recommended option as this is generally useful and safer in Western Australia. However, it is not essential as we will transport youth to The Spot if competing there. Please be aware that kangaroos can jump on to the road at any time and do not drive tired or jet lagged.
Bus to Geraldton (7-8 hours). Probably not the preferred option with windsurf gear, although the buses can usually take a gear bag if they are not full.
TransWA. You need to catch a bus from the airport to East Perth Terminal or Midland Station (Stand No 10 – catch bus 290 from Dunreath Drive near the airport, Midland is closest to the airport). TransWA offers multiple daily bus services to Geraldton on their N2 or N3 coachlines. https://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/
Integrity. Another bus option is integrity coachlines (northbound line), but this service only operates three times a week and the bus arrives into Geraldton at 1.50am which is not very convenient. https://www.integritycoachlines.com.au/
Other Western Australian Windsurf Events
9th to 11th January, 2026. Wave Rally World Championships, Coronation Beach Geraldton. Paul Van Bellen’s event – open to all competent windsurfers above 12 years.
30th January to 9th February 2026. 4 Star Margaret River Wave Classic. Australia’s most significant wavesailing event, with categories for Open, Masters, Junior and Pro Junior available. Final event dates are not yet confirmed but they will fall within this range.
Windsurf Equipment & Junior Groups
Some junior windsurf gear is available for use by joining local windsurf clubs in Western Australia. These clubs also hold regular junior windsurf sessions so your kids can meet and windsurf with other youth. This is mainly recommended for youth at the Junior Windsurf Camp and should not be relied upon for competitors in the U18 Grand Final.
- Geraldton Windsurf Club https://www.facebook.com/geraldtonwindsurfingclub
- SW Junior Windsurf School (hold sessions between Dunsborough and Augusta) https://www.facebook.com/SWJuniorWindsurfSchool/
- Perth Metro Juniors https://www.facebook.com/groups/WWAJuniors (hold sessions in Perth)
Travel Assistance for International U18s Travelling Without Parents
We are still working on details for this component and aim to help youth who are travelling alone with transport and accommodation.
Please email geraldtonwindsurfingclub@gmail.com if you are considering sending a child without a parent/guardian to compete in the World Grand Final.
Event Sponsors
- City of Greater Geraldton – Visit Geraldton
- State Government of Western Australia through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions
- Jaflfe Shack
- Windsurfing WA
- Australian Sailing
- Fuelfix
More Information:
Instagram: @oceaniayouthtitles
Facebook: Oceania Youth Wave Titles
YouTube: Oceania Youth Wave Sailors
Email: geraldtonwindsurfingclub@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +61 408 909 643
Entry: https://www.windsurfingwa.org.au/events
The post WORLD’S BEST JUNIOR WINDSURFERS ARRIVE IN GERALDTON FOR HISTORIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.
Coronation Beach, Geraldton for the junior windsurf camp and the U13 Oceania Youth Wave event. Coronation Beach has easy, flat water in front, which flows in some soft, small swells that crumble at best. Further out the back is bigger, but still quite soft waves. It’s the perfect place for junior windsurfers of all levels, plus more advanced riders can still loop and waveride out the back. The younger, less experienced competitors can still ride the smaller inside break at Coronations, whilst the more experienced/confident riders can ride out the back. Coronation Beach is around a 30 minute drive north of Geraldton.
CORONATION
The Spot, Oakajee River Mouth. A popular option for the more advanced riders (eg, U21 Pro Junior, U18 Junior and possibly U15 depending on conditions and skill level). We’re likely to run at the Spot if the swell is small. A 4WD is needed for the Spot but lifts will be arranged for competitors without a 4WD. It is a 15 minute drive South from Coronation Beach on sand and dirt roads.
Sunset Beach,
Geraldton. A great option for the more advanced riders (eg, U21 Pro Junior, U18 Junior and possibly U15 depending on conditions and skill level) when the swell is larger. Has a grassy rigging area, showers, toilets and convenient parking and viewing. Right next to the Sunset Beach Caravan Park.
Accommodation
Coronation Beach Campground https://www.chapmanvalley.wa.gov.au/visit-chapman-valley/where-to-stay-and-eat/places-to-stay.aspx. Camping right at Coronation Beach with long drop toilets, no showers and no power. Suitable for those with full camping gear who want to stay right on the beach. Booking in advance is NOT possible, you just get a camping spot if one is available when you turn up.
Coropark https://coropark.com.au/ . A new campground at Coronation Beach similar to above with no showers and unpowered sites only. Also suitable for those with full camping gear, however advance bookings ARE possible.
Goodies Eco-Camp. https://www.goodiesecocamp.com/ Camping near Coronation. Beach with showers, toilets, communal cooking facilities. Suitable for camping and caravans and can be booked in advance.
Sunset Beach Holiday Park. www.sunsetbeachpark.com.au A full caravan park situated closer to Geraldton, right on the beach. Has units available, with fridge, beds, TV, microwave and some with a stovetop. Suits those coming from overseas or interstate without camping gear.
Hotels/Motels: Geraldton also has a large range of hotels/motels.
Video: Check this accommodation overview video here:
Coronation Beach Campground https://www.chapmanvalley.wa.gov.au/visit-chapman-valley/where-to-stay-and-eat/places-to-stay.aspx. Camping right at Coronation Beach with long drop toilets, no showers and no power. Suitable for those with full camping gear who want to stay right on the beach. Booking in advance is NOT possible, you just get a camping spot if one is available when you turn up.
Coropark https://coropark.com.au/ . A new campground at Coronation Beach similar to above with no showers and unpowered sites only. Also suitable for those with full camping gear, however advance bookings ARE possible.
Goodies Eco-Camp. https://www.goodiesecocamp.com/ Camping near Coronation. Beach with showers, toilets, communal cooking facilities. Suitable for camping and caravans and can be booked in advance.
Sunset Beach Holiday Park. www.sunsetbeachpark.com.au A full caravan park situated closer to Geraldton, right on the beach. Has units available, with fridge, beds, TV, microwave and some with a stovetop. Suits those coming from overseas or interstate without camping gear.
Hotels/Motels: Geraldton also has a large range of hotels/motels.
Video: Check this accommodation overview video here:
Transport Options to Geraldton
Arriving into Western Australia. International flights to arrive at Perth airport.
Flying to Geraldton (one hour). Domestic flights between Perth and Geraldton can be booked on Qantas Airlines or Nexus Airlines. There are multiple flights each day and the flight takes around one hour. You’ll need to catch a bus to the Domestic airport and allow time to do this. However, these planes are often small and may not be able to take windsurf gear.
Driving to Geraldton (4.5 hours). From Perth airport, get on Tonkin Hwy, State Route 4 (look for Highway names, not numbers generally). Then take National Route 1 and Brand Highway to Geraldton. There are plenty of car hire options at the airport. A 4WD is the recommended option as this is generally useful and safer in Western Australia. However, it is not essential as we will transport youth to The Spot if competing there. Please be aware that kangaroos can jump on to the road at any time and do not drive tired or jet lagged.
Bus to Geraldton (7-8 hours). Probably not the preferred option with windsurf gear, although the buses can usually take a gear bag if they are not full.
TransWA. You need to catch a bus from the airport to East Perth Terminal or Midland Station (Stand No 10 – catch bus 290 from Dunreath Drive near the airport, Midland is closest to the airport). TransWA offers multiple daily bus services to Geraldton on their N2 or N3 coachlines. https://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/
Integrity. Another bus option is integrity coachlines (northbound line), but this service only operates three times a week and the bus arrives into Geraldton at 1.50am which is not very convenient. https://www.integritycoachlines.com.au/
Arriving into Western Australia. International flights to arrive at Perth airport.
Flying to Geraldton (one hour). Domestic flights between Perth and Geraldton can be booked on Qantas Airlines or Nexus Airlines. There are multiple flights each day and the flight takes around one hour. You’ll need to catch a bus to the Domestic airport and allow time to do this. However, these planes are often small and may not be able to take windsurf gear.
Driving to Geraldton (4.5 hours). From Perth airport, get on Tonkin Hwy, State Route 4 (look for Highway names, not numbers generally). Then take National Route 1 and Brand Highway to Geraldton. There are plenty of car hire options at the airport. A 4WD is the recommended option as this is generally useful and safer in Western Australia. However, it is not essential as we will transport youth to The Spot if competing there. Please be aware that kangaroos can jump on to the road at any time and do not drive tired or jet lagged.
Bus to Geraldton (7-8 hours). Probably not the preferred option with windsurf gear, although the buses can usually take a gear bag if they are not full.
TransWA. You need to catch a bus from the airport to East Perth Terminal or Midland Station (Stand No 10 – catch bus 290 from Dunreath Drive near the airport, Midland is closest to the airport). TransWA offers multiple daily bus services to Geraldton on their N2 or N3 coachlines. https://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/
Integrity. Another bus option is integrity coachlines (northbound line), but this service only operates three times a week and the bus arrives into Geraldton at 1.50am which is not very convenient. https://www.integritycoachlines.com.au/
TransWA. You need to catch a bus from the airport to East Perth Terminal or Midland Station (Stand No 10 – catch bus 290 from Dunreath Drive near the airport, Midland is closest to the airport). TransWA offers multiple daily bus services to Geraldton on their N2 or N3 coachlines. https://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/
Integrity. Another bus option is integrity coachlines (northbound line), but this service only operates three times a week and the bus arrives into Geraldton at 1.50am which is not very convenient. https://www.integritycoachlines.com.au/
Other Western Australian Windsurf Events
9th to 11th January, 2026. Wave Rally World Championships, Coronation Beach Geraldton. Paul Van Bellen’s event – open to all competent windsurfers above 12 years.
30th January to 9th February 2026. 4 Star Margaret River Wave Classic. Australia’s most significant wavesailing event, with categories for Open, Masters, Junior and Pro Junior available. Final event dates are not yet confirmed but they will fall within this range.
9th to 11th January, 2026. Wave Rally World Championships, Coronation Beach Geraldton. Paul Van Bellen’s event – open to all competent windsurfers above 12 years.
30th January to 9th February 2026. 4 Star Margaret River Wave Classic. Australia’s most significant wavesailing event, with categories for Open, Masters, Junior and Pro Junior available. Final event dates are not yet confirmed but they will fall within this range.
Windsurf Equipment & Junior Groups
Some junior windsurf gear is available for use by joining local windsurf clubs in Western Australia. These clubs also hold regular junior windsurf sessions so your kids can meet and windsurf with other youth. This is mainly recommended for youth at the Junior Windsurf Camp and should not be relied upon for competitors in the U18 Grand Final.
- Geraldton Windsurf Club https://www.facebook.com/geraldtonwindsurfingclub
- SW Junior Windsurf School (hold sessions between Dunsborough and Augusta) https://www.facebook.com/SWJuniorWindsurfSchool/
- Perth Metro Juniors https://www.facebook.com/groups/WWAJuniors (hold sessions in Perth)
Travel Assistance for International U18s Travelling Without Parents
We are still working on details for this component and aim to help youth who are travelling alone with transport and accommodation.
Please email geraldtonwindsurfingclub@gmail.com if you are considering sending a child without a parent/guardian to compete in the World Grand Final.
Event Sponsors
- City of Greater Geraldton – Visit Geraldton
- State Government of Western Australia through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions
- Jaflfe Shack
- Windsurfing WA
- Australian Sailing
- Fuelfix
More Information:
Instagram: @oceaniayouthtitles
Facebook: Oceania Youth Wave Titles
YouTube: Oceania Youth Wave Sailors
Email: geraldtonwindsurfingclub@gmail.com
YouTube: Oceania Youth Wave Sailors
Email: geraldtonwindsurfingclub@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +61 408 909 643
Entry: https://www.windsurfingwa.org.au/events
The post WORLD’S BEST JUNIOR WINDSURFERS ARRIVE IN GERALDTON FOR HISTORIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.