For the fifth year in a row, Johnny Hicks will defend his country's colors in the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. After competing all over the world in this event, this January, the man from Gisborne will have the chance to do it at home in front of his friends and family.

It is quickly apparent that this young surfer has a lot of experience in international events. Experience like this is priceless when it comes to competing in events like the Juniors. Looking at his previous results in the Under-16 division, Johnny placed 49th in 2006, 61st in 2007 and reached his best performance in 2008 by placing 9th. Last year in Ecuador, in his first year in the Under-18 division, he placed 25th.

Now, surfing at home in a break that he knows very well, things are looking good for him to make the entire Kiwi crowd proud of his performance.

Meet Johnny Hicks
Full Name: Jonathon David Hicks
Nickname: Jonnit or Ballpoint
Date of birth: 30.11.92
Hometown: Gisborne (G-Town)
Birth Place: Gisborne
Ethnicity: New Zealand
Iwi: Ngati Porou
Height: 5'10"
Stance: Goofy
How many boards: 3
Sponsors: Rip Curl, New Wave, Electric, Sex Wax
Surfing since: 1997
How did you start surfing: My old man
Surfing competitively since: 2003
Competition strategy: Try and get a wave on the hooter
New Zealand Teams: Four times in the Junior Team since 2006
Career highlight: Making the NZ Team
Ambitions: To be a pro surfer
Main surf breaks: Wainui Beach, Gisborne, New Zealand
Favourite surf break: Stockroute (SRM), Wainui, New Zealand
People you surf with the most: Buck Woods, Jay Paddock, Haami, Adam Cranston, Reno Marriot, and all the other Gissy boys
Other interests: Skating, Snowboarding
Surfing heroes: Richard Christie, Bobby Hansen, Ry Craike, Clay Marzo

Life heroes: Kelly Slater
Favourite food: Indonesian food
Favourite moves: Barrels and big moves
Favourite movie: Longest Yard
Favourite book: Anything with pictures

Watch Johnny Hicks ripping here