LAGUNDRI BAY, NIAS / INDONESIA (Friday, June 27, 2025) – The 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Nias Pro Junior launched today in bumpy three-to-four-foot conditions at the famed Lagundri Bay, with the next generation of surfing talent wasting no time in putting on a show.
Natan Johannes, Westen Hirst, and Dylan Wilcoxen Lead the Charge for Indonesia
Standout Westen Hirst (INA) capitalized on a pair of quality sets during his heat, showcasing precision backhand surfing. He posted a 7.00 (out of a possible 10) for a sequence of critical snaps, then raised the bar with the highest single-wave score of the day, a 7.50, thanks to two explosive vertical turns.
“There were only like two sets in the heat, and I got both,” said Hirst. “I’m super stoked. My board is going really well. I want this more than anyone. Seeing Dylan Wilcoxen win the QS 6,000 was super special, and really inspirational.”
Despite the tricky surf, Indonesia’s Natan Johannes showed composure beyond his years, locking in two strong scores early in his heat. His calculated approach paid off, holding the lead from start to finish and advancing to the next round with confidence.
After overcoming a field of 136 men to take out his maiden QS 6,000 win just yesterday, 16-year-old Dylan Wilcoxen (INA) is back in competition mode, finding the best waves in the day’s conditions and pushing through to the next round.
Japan’s Yuma Nagasawa, runner-up at the recent Krui Pro Junior, kept his momentum rolling at Nias. Displaying clean lines and sharp decision-making, Nagasawa cruised through his opening heat and into tomorrow’s Quarterfinals, marking himself as one to watch.
Imari Hearn Brings QS Experience to Dominate Women’s Opening Round
On the women’s side, Imari Hearn (GBR), fresh off a 17th place finish in the QS 6,000 earlier this week, brought her competitive experience to the Pro Junior. Cranking out sharp vertical turns, Hearn earned an impressive 11.20 (out of a possible 20) to win her Opening Round heat.
“The waves are a bit tricky, but I’m happy I got a few,” said Hearn. “I just tried to go as vertical as possible and I’m glad I landed it.”
The next call will be Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 a.m. GMT+7 for a potential 8:00 a.m. start.
The Nias Pro Junior will run 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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