On Sunday 22nd January the 2012 NZ Junior Surfing Development Squad had its first "on the beach" get together at South Piha. The 25 strong squad, which includes a handful of 2012 Age Group National Champions, were put through their paces by Head Coach Jason Ruddell along with Assistant Coach Warren Asplin and Team Manager Tony Baker, in a range of land and water based training exercises.

Following an extensive Physical Training session the squad then took part in some heat drill exercises to develop strategies for the "pressure cooker" environment they should expect at the ISA World Junior event in April. With waves in the 1.5 - 2.0m range breaking at South Piha, surfers took part in heats that tested their skills, and gave the Team Managers and National Selectors a better understanding of each surfers competitive ability. Following the heat drills the Head Coach then imparted some valuable dynamic and static stretching exercises that the squad can include in their own training programmes.

The squad will next meet in Mt. Maunganui on the 6th / 7th February to complete further fitness testing, before the official 2012 NZ Junior Surfing Team being named on the 14th February 2012.

Back Row - Jules Craft, Jason Ruddell, Dune Kennings, Mac Christie, Ware Wano, Elliot Paerata - Reid, Warren Asplin, Adam Grimson, Tane Wallis, Paul Moretti, Manu Scott - Arrieta, Harrison Whiteside, Mac Bowden, Tony Baker Front Row - Ella Williams, Dayna Story, Gabriela Sansom, Jasmine Smith, Bianca Sansom, Jayda Martin - Fitzharris, Kehu Butler