An abundance of excellence ensued on opening day in Oceanside, California with the world's best 20 and under competitors showcasing what they can do on a big stage. Erin Brooks and Joel Vaughan led the way with explosive debuts, earning the day's best performances, alongside the likes of defending World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle, wildcard threats Zoe Benedetto and Taj Lindblad. Plus, regional No. 1's Sol Aguirre, Sierra Kerr, Ryan Kainalo, Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri, Louise Lepront all earned their way into the Round of 16 while the rest of the field must face the Elimination Round.
The SAMBAZON World Junior Championships hosted by Best Western showcase the most talented 20-and-under surfers in the sport. Winning the event gets these young stars onto the Challenger Series and one step away from the Championship Tour, and adds them to a proud history of past champions. From world champs Andy Irons and Gabriel Medina to tour standouts Sally Fitzgibbons and Jordy Smith, many past World Junior Champions have gone on to become some of the most influential figures in surfing.