LAGUNDRI BAY, NIAS / INDONESIA (Saturday, June 28, 2025) – Imari Hearn (GBR) and Dylan Wilcoxen (INA) won the World Surf League (WSL) Nias Pro Junior today in consistent four-foot surf with light offshore winds at Sumatra’s Lagundri Bay. It was the perfect canvas for Asia’s 20-and-under surfers to showcase what they can do, and caps off an exciting couple of days in Nias, where the next generation of surfers put on a world-class display at one of Indonesia’s most iconic waves.
Dylan Wilcoxen Goes Back-to-Back with Pro Junior Win After QS 6,000 Triumph
Just two days after claiming his maiden QS 6,000 win, Dylan Wilcoxen (INA) has added another trophy to his collection, taking out the 2025 Nias Pro Junior in front of the cheering crowd. In a closely fought heat, Wilcoxen posted a 13.10 (out of a possible 20) heat total, finding a 7.00 (out of a possible10) early and backing it up with a 6.10 to seal the win. Surfing with poise and power, the 16-year-old once again showed why he’s one of Indonesia’s fastest rising stars.
“I’m so stoked to take out both wins,” said Wilcoxen. “If you told me a week ago I would win both, I would’ve said no way. I’m just so stoked, go team Mentawai! Thanks to everyone for the support.”
Wilcoxen continued his unstoppable run in the Semifinals, blasting two vertical snaps for an 8.90, one of the highest single-wave scores of the event, and easily booking his spot in the Final.
Yuma Nagasawa (JPN), hungry for the win after his Krui Pro Junior runner-up last week, surfed a smart heat to try and challenge Wilcoxen for the top spot but just fell short by a narrow margin. After the Asia rankings leader Ikko Watanabe (JPN) was eliminated in the Semifinals, it opened the door for Nagasawa to capitalize and take the No.1 spot.
Imari Hearn Breaks Through with First-Ever Victory, Jumps to No. 1 on Rankings
Bali’s 15-year-old Imari Hearn (GBR) earned a career-best result, with her first-ever Pro Junior title. This win marks a breakout moment for Hearn, who jumped up six places on the Asia Pro Junior Rankings to take the No.1 position. Hearn opened her account with the highest single-wave score of the final, a 7.50, and backed it up with a 4.03 for a combined heat total of 11.53, holding off a stacked field in one of the tightest heats of the event.
“It was so good to get that score at the start,” said Hearn. “I tried to go vertical on that turn and I was happy with the score. I’m so stoked, I’ve never won a JQS before so this is definitely top of the list right now. I’m so excited for next year, it’s been the best competition ever.”
Indonesia’s Jasmine Studer continued her strong run of form, locking in her second Pro Junior Finals appearance in as many weeks. After a standout performance at the Krui Pro Junior, Studer made a significant jump up the regional rankings. Studer finished a close second with an 11.04 heat total, piecing together a 6.67 and a 4.37 in a busy performance that kept her in striking distance until the final horn.
Aura Zeflin (INA) of Mentawai also made her first Pro Junior Finals appearance. The 14-year-old improved on her 9th-place at the Nias Pro Junior last year, as well as the Krui Pro Junior last week.
The Nias Pro Junior ran from June 27 – 28, 2025.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About the Asian Surf Co (ASC)
The Asian Surf Cooperative is a professional surfing organization with nearly two decades of experience in organizing, managing and supporting surfing events around the Asian Region, from local boardriders club competitions to World Championship Tour events including the recent 2022 Quiksilver Pro G-Land.
The ASC works with the WSL and has produced World Championship Tour events including the Corona Bali Pro at Keramas and the Quiksilver/ROXY Pro Gland, and has developed Qualifying Series events such as the Krui Pro and the Nias Pro from a QS1000 level to a QS5000 level in just a few short years.
For more information, please visit AsianSurf.co
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