Team Australia took home their fifth ISA World Junior championship yesterday in Salinas, Ecuador in front of one of the largest crowds ever seen at a junior surfing event. Aussie, Dean Bowen, won the Boys Under 18 individual title, and his country mate, Tyler Wright, finished in gold position in Girls Under 18.

For the second year in a row Santa Ana's Courtney Conlogue surfed great, she finished second in the Girls Under 18, and was the only America to medal. Team America finished in the Copper, or forth position, in the overall standings.

In the Boys Under 16 division it was Hawaiian, Keanu Asing, who won the individual gold, and in the process put team Hawaii into the silver position in the overall standings.

If the performance put on by Team Australia in this event reflects what is to come, not much will change. The Aussies dominate competitive surfing and have for years. The top 10 on the ASP Word Tour is usually predominately Australian, and if it wasn't for Mr. Slater they'd have a lot more World Champions. Here's some photos:


Dean Bowen snaps one off-the-top on his way to victory.


Keanu Asing with a backside bash.


Bowen gets his victory ride.


Tyler Wright gets her lift.

Here's some video footage:





For a more photos click here, and for an in-depth first hand account of the contest click here.

Overall Standing

1. Australia, Gold
2. Hawaii, Silver
3. Brazil, Bronze
4. USA, Copper