Starting 2025 with the Philippines’ biggest event yet

What is the World Junior Championship Tour

The WSL (World Surf League) World Junior Championship is a prestigious surfing competition for young surfers under 20 years old. It represents the highest level of junior competitive surfing globally, with surfers who qualify through their regional tour performances. Winners of this championship are often seen as future stars of professional surfing, with many past champions going on to have successful careers on the WSL Championship Tour.

Bringing the tour to La Union

The iconic breaks of La Union are about to witness history as the Philippine surf mecca prepares to host its most prestigious event yet - the World Junior Championships San Juan (January 13-18). The famed surf town, already a cornerstone of Asian surfing, will welcome the globe's most electrifying under-20 talent to its shores. Rising stars from Japan, Australia, Indonesia, and beyond will battle it out in La Union's powerful waves, marking a watershed moment for Philippine surfing. As the Southeast Asian nation continues its meteoric rise in the global surf scene, La Union's selection as host venue cements its status as a world-class surfing destination capable of showcasing the sport's next generation of champions.

Toby Espejon and Noah Arkfeld - Next Generation of PH Surfing

Flying the Philippine flag at the World Junior Championships are two of Siargao's most explosive talents - Toby Espejon and Noah Arkfeld. Born and bred in the shadows of the legendary Cloud 9 barrel, these young guns have been turning heads since first standing on a board. Espejon has been on a tear recently, dominating the local circuit with his progressive approach and deep tube-riding ability. Meanwhile, Arkfeld's powerful rail game and aerial repertoire have made him one of the most watched surfers under 20 in the Asian region. Both surfers have proven their skills in the heavy waters of Cloud 9, and their wild card entries into this event come after standout performances throughout 2024, including impressive showings at the Philippine National Surfing Championship and the Asian Junior Series. With intimate knowledge of Philippine waves and the support of their nation behind them, these Siargao natives are poised to show the international field what Philippine surfing is all about.

Wild Cards - Opening Doors for Philippine Surfing

In a game-changing move for Philippine surfing, the WSL's wild card system has created a critical pathway for local talent to compete against the world's best juniors. While the standard route to the World Junior Championships demands a grueling campaign through the WSL Junior Tour - a path often blocked by limited international competition access and financial constraints - these two wild card entries represent a breakthrough moment for Philippine surfing. For Espejon and Arkfeld, it's more than just a free pass - it's a chance to showcase the raw talent brewing in the Philippine surf scene on a global stage.

The selection of these Cloud 9 standouts speaks volumes about Philippine surfing's evolution. While most international competitors battle it out on the Junior Tour circuit spanning multiple continents, our Philippine athletes have been perfecting their craft in world-class waves like Cloud 9, Monaliza Point, and now La Union. Their wild card entries aren't just participation tickets - they're recognition of the undeniable talent emerging from Philippine shores, even without the traditional qualifying pathway. With Toby and Noah’s surfing already turning heads in Asian competitions, these wild cards could mark the beginning of a new chapter where Philippine surfers become regular fixtures in international events.

Filipino Spirit of Community Powers World-Class Dreams

In true Filipino fashion, the nation's surf community has rallied behind its young guns with unprecedented force. From Siargao to La Union, local businesses and surf clubs have mobilized in a grassroots movement to support Espejon and Arkfeld's World Junior Championship campaign. The Happy Islanders Surf Club has spearheaded a nationwide fundraising effort, demonstrating the powerful unity of Philippine surf culture.

In their corner stands one of Philippine surfing's most influential figures - Philmar Alipayo. The Cloud 9 maestro and international competitor brings years of elite-level experience to the coaching role, providing tactical expertise and mental preparation that could prove crucial in the high-stakes environment of a World Junior Championship. Alipayo's presence adds another layer of firepower to Team Philippines, completing a support system that spans from grassroots to professional levels.

Visit WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM for more information, live streaming and heat draws

The WSL World Longboard Championships, La Union, runs from Jan 13 - 19, 2025

Follow their World Junior Championship journey:

Toby Espejon : @toby_espejon 

Noah Arkfeld: @arkfeldnoah

Philmar Alipayo: @chepoxz

KSB: @ks.boardriders.surf.shop

Stay updated with our newsletter