rising grom Archives - New Zealand Surf Journal

Rising Grom: Tao Mouldey

Isaac ChadwickDec 21, 2021July 25, 20240

Tao Mouldey rips. There’s simply no other way to put it. His Instagram profile is filled with mini edits of the Mount Maunganui grom throwing buckets of spray much higher than they should be for someone his age. A solid reflection of this is the fact that he won both...

Rising Grom: Indica Knox Corcoran

Derek MorrisonSep 8, 2021July 25, 20240

When it comes to professionalism in surfing, few groms compare to Indica Knox Corcoran. The Mount Maunganui based surfer and skater may just be 11 years old, but he operates with every intention of becoming a pro. He’s guided in his dream by his mum and dad, Renée and Phil...

Rising Grom: Benji Lowen

Derek MorrisonJul 6, 2021July 25, 20240

It’s fair to say Benji Lowen’s trajectory in surfing has been outstanding. He’s on a performance surge right now, punching above his weight in New Zealand and he now has Australia in his sights. Despite only being 11 years old, he’s one of the hungriest competitors we’ve seen in the...

Rising Grom: Leia Millar

Derek MorrisonJun 8, 2021July 25, 20240

Leia Millar is not your typical 14-year-old surfer. The North Piha local has been brought up on a steady diet of gymnastics, which has shaped her into an extraordinarily promising young athlete. A career in surfing is now well and truly in her sights … she’s already taking national titles....

Rising Grom: Isaac Klein-Ovink

Derek MorrisonMar 9, 2021July 25, 20240

Almost two years ago the Klein-Ovink family realised they had life back-to-front. They lived in Auckland and traveled to surf. So they uprooted the family home and moved to Papamoa. For 17-year-old Isaac, his older sister, Baylin, and younger brother, PJ, that was a dream come true. NZSJ: Tell us...

Rising Grom: Kalani Louis

Derek MorrisonNov 24, 2020July 25, 20240

There’s a new wave of competitive surfers coming out of Taranaki and they’re taking scalps in national events. New Zealand Surf Journal caught up with the effervescent Kalani Louis after his Under 16 Final at the 2020 National Scholastics Championships held at Kaikoura. NZSJ: Hey Kalani, congrats on a great...