Australian surfer Dane Henry has crowned a breakout season with victory at the WSL World Junior Championship in the Philippines, becoming just the fifth Australian man to claim the prestigious title.
The 19-year-old’s triumph places him alongside surfing greats Joel Parkinson and Ethan Ewing in the history books, capping a remarkable 2025 campaign that included an ISA World Surfing Games gold medal, an ISA U/18 World Junior gold, the regional Australia/Oceania Junior title, and his first Qualifying Series win.
“It’s been a massive week, it feels like I’ve been here for about a month,” Henry said. “There’s been a lot of big Aussie names to win this comp and this is one to tick off for me.”
Henry’s path to glory included a thrilling semi-final victory over compatriot Lennix Smith, secured with just 30 seconds remaining on the clock. Needing a 5.33 to advance, Henry found a wave that allowed for three critical turns, earning a 5.60 and progression into his first World Juniors Final.
The Final saw Henry face Israel’s Nadav Attar, with the Australian switching from patience to attack mode. Despite Attar taking an early advantage, Henry combined a 7.00 with a 6.67 to secure the lead and hold it through the second half of the heat.
Henry paid tribute to his support team, particularly coach Adam Dufner and his mother, Kiri Henry.
“I want to say a massive thanks to my coach, Adam Dufner. I’ve been training with him for 10 years, honestly wouldn’t be able to be here without him,” Henry said. “It’s been special sharing this moment with just us and my beautiful mother, Kiri Henry. She’s the best mum on the planet. My circle’s so good right now and I’m over the moon.”
The Final also proved memorable for the camaraderie between competitors.
“It was really special to share that moment with him and super sick to see him do so well coming from a super underdog to getting second in the event,” Henry said of Attar.
Attar’s run to the Final was the standout underdog story of the event. The 20-year-old, who represents Israel but grew up surfing in Costa Rica, had only one previous WSL Final appearance prior to the championship. Throughout the event, he defeated several Challenger Series competitors, including last year’s World Junior runner-up and event favourite Winter Vincent.
“It’s been a great week. My first time in the Philippines, and it’s already my favorite country other than Israel and Costa Rica,” Attar said. “Special thanks to all the locals, you guys made it that much more special.”
With his World Junior title secured, Henry now has his sights set on the Challenger Series, with momentum firmly on his side heading into the final two Qualifying Series events of the season.
