The New Zealand Junior Surfing Team had a mixed first day at the World Championships managing a 50 percent in rate in both the Under 18 and Under 16 Boys divisions in choppy conditions at west Auckland's Piha Beach
Ben Poulter of Raglan scored 11 out of a possible 20 points to win his first round heat will now face one of the favourites, Australia's Matt Banting.
Poulter was the highest placed New Zealander in the Under 16 Boys Division last year, placing 19th.
Mt Maunganui's Alex Dive and Gisborne's Johnnny Hicks placed second in their Under 18 heats to move through to the second round and so did Piha's Tane Wallis in the under 16s.
Day two will see the Under 18 Girls on the water for the first time as well as elimination rounds of the Under 18 and 16 Boys.
