SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The World Surf League (WSL) is bringing the 2024 World Junior Championships to the Philippines for the first time.
The event will take place at The Point in Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union from Jan. 13 to 19, solidifying the country’s position in the global surfing arena.
The competition will feature 48 athletes—24 men and 24 women under the age of 20—from seven regions: Australia/Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, Hawaii/Tahiti Nui, North America, and South America.
The event also offers local talents a chance to compete on the global stage, with wildcard slots reserved for Filipino surfers.
Showcasing La Union’s surfing excellence
La Union, known as the Surfing Capital of the North, has long been a host for international surfing events.
The WSL World Junior Championships further elevate its status as a global surfing destination.
Will Hayden-Smith, Global Tours Manager of the WSL, expressed excitement about hosting the event in La Union.
“The waves at Urbiztondo Beach are ideal for the dynamic and exciting surfing style that these junior athletes will bring. We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Philippines to showcase this incredible location to the world,” Hayden-Smith remarked.
La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David meanwhile emphasized the event’s importance in boosting local development and community pride.
“Hosting the 2024 WSL World Junior Championships is a historic moment for La Union and the Philippines. This event not only highlights our world-class surf spots but also underscores our commitment to sustainable tourism and community development,”Ortega-David stated.
With its vision to become the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025, the provincial government is eager to welcome competitors and visitors from around the world to experience the province’s beauty and hospitality.
“This championship will inspire our youth, uplift our local businesses, and strengthen our identity as a premier surfing destination,” she said.
A boost to Philippine tourism
Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer-Tamano sees the championship as a unique opportunity to promote the country’s coastline and surfing culture.
“This is more than a competition—it celebrates Filipino talent, natural beauty, and hospitality, while boosting tourism, supporting livelihoods, and inspiring pride in our surfing heritage,” Hofer-Tamano stated.
Empowering young athletes
Ty Sorati, WSL Tour Manager for the Asia-Pacific Region, highlighted the championship’s role in shaping the future of the sport.
“The World Junior Championships are one of the most prestigious events on the WSL calendar. It Hosting this in La Union ensures a special experience for everyone involved,” Sorati said.
Ryan Huckabee, one of the participating surfers, meanwhile shared his experience competing in La Union’s waters.
“It was a fun heat. I went out there, and on the first couple of waves, I felt a little bit shaky—maybe just first heat nerves. But I was able to land that one big turn, which gave me a bit of confidence. From that point, I was able to control the heat, find my rhythm, and stay focused on each wave I took,” he said.
Economic and cultural impact
The championship is expected to attract thousands of visitors, benefiting local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to souvenir shops.
Beyond its economic impact, the championship will celebrate Filipino surfing culture, fostering pride and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
The 2024 WSL World Junior Championships promises to be a landmark event, not only for the global surfing community but also for La Union, as it continues to rise as a premier surfing and tourism destination. (CCMT/KJCR,PIA La Union)
