Poppy Arkle - representing New Zealand at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships 2025
We'd be grateful for any donations to support Poppy's journey. Every contribution brings her one wave closer to this amazing opportunity!
Waitakere, Piha
Poppy is 15 years old and absolutely loves surfing — she spends more time in the ocean than on land! Over the summer, she trained hard and competed in the New Zealand Grom Series, finishing an impressive second overall in both the U16 and U18 divisions.
We’re incredibly proud to share that Poppy has been selected to represent New Zealand at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships later this year (location and dates TBC, but likely in Peru). This will be her second time competing at Worlds — last year, she placed 31st out of 93 competitors in the U18 division. She’s more determined than ever to build on that result and make New Zealand proud.
To help fund the trip, Poppy has been working hard — cleaning chimneys with Ben, helping to make and sell our Piha Fire hot sauces, preserves, chutneys, and chilli oil, and even holding bake sales at school. We’ve got a quiz night planned at the Piha RSA and a carwash to come at the Piha Fire Station.
As her biggest supporters, Ben and I would be so grateful for any donations via this Givealittle page to help cover the costs of getting Poppy to the World Champs. We’re excited to keep you all updated on her journey and truly appreciate the support from our amazing community of friends and family. Thank you!
Helen Edmonds' involvement (page creator)
I am Poppy's proud mum and biggest supporter!
Use of funds
All funds raised will be spent on travel, accommodation, food & drink, competition entry, uniform and coaching.
Other page links
Latest update
Thank you Friends & Family 30 January 2026
Thank you all for your support in getting Poppy to Peru December 2025! She had the most amazing experience and is amped on what 2026 holds. On arrival she found it tricky practising before the comp, with more than 400 athletes surfing at the same beach, practising for their heats. She managed to catch a few waves and sussed out the competition venue, ready for her first heat.
Round 1 saw her competing against a fellow kiwi but saw them both progress to the next round. The waves were pretty solid which was great for Poppy as that’s what she's used to in Piha. Round 2 saw smaller conditions, but Poppy's highest wave score of the event seeing her advance to the next round. By round 3, less than half of the 12 strong Kiwi team was still standing. Round 3 saw Poppy competing against the same teammate from round 1 - frustrating to say the least and sadly saw her place 3rd by less than 1 point to her teammate ending her campaign for this event. Watching this live in the early hours of the morning was nailbiting, but fantastic to see our little girl on the world stage!
All in all Poppy finished 25th out of 144 U16 girls in the world, improving from last year’s 33rd place in the U18s. Her result also helped the NZ team place 10th in the world, their best result in a decade. She's stoked with this result, but obviously hungry for more.
Ben and I are incredibly grateful for everyone's support in helping our little girl fulfill her dream in representing Aotearoa on the world stage.
Latest donations
Thank you so much for your generous donation. I'll be sure to keep you iupdated on how I go, Poppy 😊
Hey Emma. Thank you so much for supporting me. Mum will be sure to keep you in the loop. Love Poppy 🤩
Thanks for your generous donation! Mum will be sure to keep you updated on my journey 🥰
Hi Joe & Angela, thank you so much for supporting me. I'll make sure mum adds you to the group so you can follow my journey, Love Poppy 🥰
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