Australia’s Dane Henry Claims Maiden World Junior Surfing Title

mophie ambassador, Dane Henry has capped off a breakthrough season in emphatic style, claiming his first WSL World Junior Title and cementing his place among Australia’s next generation of surfing talent.

The 19-year-old Australian has been on a remarkable run throughout 2025. After adding ISA World Surfing Games gold to his earlier ISA Under-18 World Junior title, Henry continued his momentum with the Australia/Oceania Junior title and his first Qualifying Series victory. Today’s win sees him become the fifth Australian man to take out a World Junior Title, joining an elite group that includes Joel Parkinson and Ethan Ewing.

“It’s been a massive week — it feels like I’ve been here for a month,” Henry said after the final. “I’ve got to thank my coach Adam Dufner. We’ve been working together for 10 years and I wouldn’t be here without him. And my mum, Kiri — she’s been everything. My circle is really strong right now and I’m over the moon.”

Henry’s Finals Day was defined by composure under pressure. He opened with a dramatic semifinal win over Lennix Smith, needing a score in the final seconds and delivering when it mattered most. With just 30 seconds on the clock, Henry found a critical wave, locking in a 5.60 to advance to the Final of his first World Juniors appearance.

In the Final, Henry shifted gears. Staying active and committed, he leaned into the explosive, fluid surfing that has become his signature. After conceding an early lead, he responded with a 7.00 and a 6.67, holding control through the second half of the heat to secure the title over Nadav Attar (ISR).

“I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time.

“Watching Bronson Meydi win last year really inspired me. Everything’s led to this moment, but I know it’s just the beginning. Sharing that final with Nadav was special — the energy out there was unreal.”

For Dane Henry, this victory marks more than a milestone — it signals the start of the next chapter. With confidence high and momentum firmly on his side, Australia’s newest World Junior Champion is just getting started.

Fellow mophie ambassador, Sierra Kerr (AUS) runner-up finish in the woman’s division was notably impressive after the 18-year-old spent close to six months away from competitive surfing due to illness. Having discovered she has Lyme disease, Kerr has been both recovering and learning how to manage her diagnosis. Kerr also began the competition battling an unrelated sickness, putting on highlight performances regardless to defeat fellow Stab High victor Skai Suitt (HAW), Challenger Series competitor Reid Van Wagoner (USA), CT Rookie Bella Kenworthy (USA), and Olympian Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) in an exceptional run to the Final.

"It's my first time competing properly, like first time doing two heats in a day since this comp last year," Kerr said. "I'm just grateful to be here and couldn't have picked anyone better to have the Final with than Isla [Huppatz], it was super fun. Stoked for her and congrats everyone."

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