Fiji will be well-represented at this year’s ISA World Junior titles in Japan in September. After the selection process, which lasted over three months, has resulted in a strong team of three junior Fijian surfers being selected.

They are Api Camoro, Kalani Wakeham and Kiesha Wakeham.

Api and  Kalani had strong performances at this year’s Powerade Junior Pro and the Kit Deger Memorial events taking 1st and 2nd place each time.

Likewise Kiesha performed well in the same events claiming 1st place in both.

Yesterday the team had a training session at the Sigatoka sand dunes under the watchful eyes of Level 2 surf coaches Romeo McKellar, Lesi Navuwai and myself.

Aspects of their fitness and technique were examined and programmes given to ensure change. The sand dunes was used to start the process of surfing beach breaks more regularly.

Lesi who returned recently from the ISA World Open titles has many experiences to draw on and will be a great resource of information in understanding what is required at this International level.

Paddle fitness, says Navuwai, is critical along with fast reflexes to handle the expected conditions.

His thoughts are in-line with fellow Level 2 coach Romeo McKellar, “These children will need to take a serious look at their performance level to be competitive”

In Japan the surf is expected to be small and less powerful than the usual waves on offer in Fiji so improved fitness and technique will be required.

The venue for the titles is on a beach break which is also different to our normal conditions.