Raglan surfers made their mark at the first stop of the 2025 Billabong Grom Series presented by Oceanbridge, held at Mount Maunganui on Sunday, 26 January. Maya Mateja claimed victory in the Under-18 Girls Division, while Raglan’s Alani Morse and Indica Corcoran secured top finishes in the Under-16 Girls final.
Despite challenging northerly winds and a strong current, Mateja delivered an impressive performance, sealing her win with a 14.56-point heat total. Her final wave, a 7.73-point ride, secured her first-place finish. Mateja, who splits her time between Aotearoa and Mexico, has returned for the summer competitions and showcased her talent against tough competition.
In the Under-16 Girls Division, Raglan’s Alani Morse bounced back from early losses at the National Championships to take the win. The final was a close battle, with Indi-Lee Ruddell (Whangārei) pushing Morse to the end. Raglan’s Indica Corcoran also made the podium, finishing in fourth place.
Raglan’s strong presence continues with elite surfers like Billy Stairmand having previously come through the series, showcasing the deep talent pool emerging from Whaingaroa.
The Billabong Grom Series continues in Whangamatā (8-9 February) before wrapping up at Piha (22-23 February).
