Kalani Louis, 19, took part in the 2023 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Rio de Janeiro, where he got to surf the same waves as icons of the sport such as Kelly Slater.
“You’re just seeing all your heroes really,” Louis said.
And the 19-year-old said the trip wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for a programme supporting ambitious tamariki and rangitahi — Taranaki Youth Boost, which was set to double what it could offer each year.
Article By: Matthew Hampson, Stuff • July 31, 2024