Ella and her trophy. Photo: Unknown
After entering the tournament as a last-minute alternate, Whangamata's Ella Williams, 18, is surfing's newest junior world champion.
Her father, Dean Williams says he did not sleep at all on Saturday night, staying up to watch every heat of the competition.
He says his daughter has made New Zealand surfing history and her whole world will open up.
Ella excitedly told Morning Report's Geoff Robinson she's "stoked".