The Chronicle had a quick chat with 13-year-old Josef Jungwirth, pictured above with his Raglan Point Boardriders U14 and U18 Club Champ trophies.
How did you first get into surfing, Josef?
My dad pushed me off on his old long board when we lived at the Mount when I was about 6 years old. It was heaps of fun because the whole whanau got involved.
What do you love about it?
I love being in the ocean. I really like pushing it to the limit and trying new tricks. I love surfing with my mates and family and staying active.
Tell us about your comp experiences in 2016?
It’s awesome meeting up with all my mates from around the country at the comps. The U14 age group is really talented and competitive and we push each other hard.
How did you go in terms of results?
I made six out of nine finals, nationally. I haven’t won one yet – that’s definitely the goal for 2017.
This year I won the U14 and U18 Point Boardriders Club Champs, which was really tough being up against Jayden Willoughby, Kora Cooper, Navryn Meddings-Malone, Caleb Cutmore and other local shredders.
Top three spots to surf in New Zealand?
Whangamata Bar, Stock Route in Gissy and, of course, Manu Bay.
What is happening for you in 2017. Where are you going to school?
I’m going to be in year 9 at Raglan Area School. I hope to get a lot more water time and it will be cool not to travel so much. Oh, and heaps of learning, too.
Do you see yourself in the RAS Surf Academy?
Hopefully – that’s the goal. I want to really push my surfing to the limit. The academy has a really cool vibe and Larry Fisher and Dean Hishon are awesome.
Any words of advice for kids who are wanting to learn to surf?
Keep at it, don’t give up and have heaps of fun!
