Poppy Arkle - representing New Zealand at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships 2026

Poppy is 16 years old and embarking on her 3rd consecutive year representing New Zealand on the world stage. Over the summer, she has trained hard and competed in the New Zealand Grom Series, consistently making every final, finishing an impressive third overall in the U18s. She is also ranked 2nd overall in the Open Women!

We’re incredibly proud of her dedication and achievements which see her returning to El Salvador to represent New Zealand at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in September. No stranger to the Worlds, she finished 33rd overall in 2024, 25th overall in 2025 and looking to make the Top 10 this year!

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 has 3 bake sales planned at school. We’ve got a quiz night planned at the Piha RSA and she is squirrelling away some of her earnings from working at local Piha restaurant "Aryeh".

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!