Pāpāmoa Athletes Making Waves on the National Stage

Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club is celebrating the success of four of its rising stars after Isobella Davoren, Amelie Pearson, Luke Gillbanks and Trelise Chote were selected for Surf Life Saving New Zealand High Performance squads earlier this year.

The selections recognise not only their performances in competition, but also the commitment, resilience and work ethic they have demonstrated over many years of training and development.

For a club with a proud history of producing national champions and New Zealand representatives, these athletes' achievements are another reminder of what can be accomplished through dedication, consistency and a willingness to embrace every opportunity.

While each athlete's journey has been different, common themes emerge from their stories: showing up when it's hard, trusting the process, learning from setbacks and surrounding themselves with supportive coaches, teammates and family.

We recently caught up with three of the four athletes who attended Surf Life Saving New Zealand's High Performance Squad camps in Queensland, Australia, during July to reflect on their selections, experiences and aspirations for the future.

Isobella's Journey of Resilience

For Isobella Davoren, selection in the Surf Life Saving New Zealand U19 Performance Squad marked a significant milestone.

Having previously been selected for the Pool Rescue squad, earning selection in the beach programme was confirmation that years of work across multiple disciplines had paid off.

Her achievement is particularly inspiring given the health challenges she has overcome. After experiencing heart palpitations during training, Isobella was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and underwent heart surgery in 2024.

Rather than allowing the setback to define her, she continued to work towards her goals.

"Being selected means a huge amount because it represents years of commitment, early trainings and the support of everyone who's helped me along the way."

Recently attending the High Performance camp in Queensland, Australia, Isobella gained valuable insights into what separates elite athletes from the rest.

"The biggest lesson was that excellence comes from every detail. Recovery, preparation and mindset are just as important as training hard."

Now studying Health Sciences in Dunedin while continuing her sporting career, Isobella hopes her journey shows younger members that challenges can be overcome.

Amelie Embracing the Process

Selected for the U19 Pool Rescue High Performance Squad, Amelie Pearson sees her selection as both recognition and opportunity.

"It means a lot to be recognised at a national level. It's an opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and athletes while continuing to develop."

Amelie credits consistency, commitment and a genuine passion for the sport as the foundations of her success.

She recently attended both High Performance pool and ocean camps, where she trained alongside some of New Zealand's best young athletes.

"The camps gave me a chance to reset and set new standards for myself. The training was challenging and exhausting, but rewarding."

For Amelie, one of the most important lessons has been learning to trust the process.

"Surf comes with many challenges, so learning to have balance and trust the process is essential."

Her advice to younger members is simple:

"Be as versatile as possible, train hard, be consistent and keep enjoying what you do."

Luke Chasing the Next Goal

For Luke Gillbanks, selection in the Youth U17 High Performance Squad was the achievement of a long-held goal.

"I was very excited because it's something I have wanted to achieve for a while."

Luke's journey highlights the importance of perseverance. Despite dealing with competition anxiety as a younger athlete and often feeling nervous before races, he continued to push forward.

"I tell myself to do my best no matter the outcome. I always push hard and give it everything."

Attending the recent High Performance camp in Australia reinforced his desire to keep improving. Training alongside the country's best athletes and learning from elite coaches provided fresh motivation.

Perhaps his biggest takeaway came during a demanding Iron training session.

"I learned that even when I think I'm exhausted, I can still go an extra 20 percent."

Luke has now set his sights on future pathway team selections and ultimately earning a place in a New Zealand Black Fins team.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club's Surf Sports leadership team says the achievements of Isobella, Amelie, Luke and Trelise demonstrate the opportunities available to young athletes who commit themselves to the sport.

The three athletes interviewed all highlighted the support of coaches, teammates and family as being critical to their success, while also emphasising the importance of consistency, resilience and enjoying the journey.

Their stories are powerful reminders that High Performance success is rarely built on a single race or season. It is the result of years of early mornings, challenging training sessions, setbacks, learning experiences and the determination to keep showing up.

With more than 100 young people involved in Pāpāmoa's Surf Sport programmes, the club hopes the achievements of these athletes will inspire the next generation to dream big.

Whether the goal is a first club race, a national title or one day wearing the silver fern, Isobella, Amelie, Luke and Trelise have shown what's possible when talent is matched by commitment.

As Isobella reflected:

"Opportunities come as a result of hard work, not talent. Most importantly, enjoy the process because loving the sport is what keeps you going."