Before Fingal Head shredder, Dane Henry, packs his green-and-gold Irukandji kit to compete at El Salvador, we chin-wag with the co-captain of the 2024 Australian Junior Surfing squad about school, surf, and what’s helping him throw more spray.
Two weeks post-interview, Captain Dane drops a perfect ten during his Round 4 heat at the World Junior’s. Ascending perfection, Dane wins gold at Surf City and is crowned the 2024 U18 ISA World Junior Surfing Champion. Adding more gold to his treasure trunk, Captain Dane leads Team Australia to victory in the ISA Junior World Surfing Championship.
This interview becomes crystal-ball intriguing—was Dane’s zealous prediction correct?
Surfing Life: So, you just came back from down the coast; how was that?
Dane Henry: Yeah, it was super fun. I got a bit of backhand practice. I don’t get to surf many lefts around home, so it’s good to get down there on my backhand before the World’s [ISA World Junior Surfing Championship].
Do you know how to surf backhand?
Yep, I kinda do (laughs), like I just learnt how, basically.
So, training for World’s?
Yup.
When do you head to the World’s?
I head next Saturday [at the time of writing], so it’s coming up pretty quick.
Where are the World Championships held this year?
At El Salvador, Surf City.
Have you heard rumours about the ISA running their own world tour?
I haven’t heard those rumours. Are there rumours about that? Wow! I wouldn’t doubt it. I could believe them.
Would it be a good thing?
I don’t know. I don’t know what would happen. I feel
