Editorial by Hawaiian Correspondent  Andy Melamed

Piha was the site of this years QUIKSILVER ISA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION-SHIPS. Hosted by New Zealand and attended by 21 countries representing the best young amateur surfers from around the world. After 8 continuous days of double elimination competition thru storms, and sun, and waves ranging form small to extra large,  Finals Day came down to a face off once again between team Australia and team Hawaii. Although this was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Hawaiians they found themselves in a battle for the GOLD with 4 heats remaining in the overall  competition.  
The key to the overall finish was to have surfers in the Finals of all three divisions. Koa Smith advanced to the finals in the boys under 16 rounds. Alessa Quizon advanced to the womens final for the second consecutive year.