Whakatāne surfer Louis Macquet is celebrating a standout performance at the National Secondary School Championships, winning the under-14 division and earning further recognition from his fellow competitors.

The 14-year-old was also awarded the Adam Clegg Breakthrough Performance Award, voted for by competitors, capping off a successful campaign in Gisborne.

Louis, who spends plenty of time out on the water trying to better himself, said winning the National Secondary School Championships for his age was awesome.

“It’s pretty cool, I am really stoked.”

The championships were held across two beaches, with competitors surfing at Makorori Beach for two days, Midway Pipe for another two days, before returning to Makorori Beach for the final day.

Despite some nerves leading into the final, Louis said he was able to stay calm when it mattered most.

“Definitely nerves, but excited nerves,” he said.

After his semi-final, Louis felt he had not put in a good heat and knew he needed to get his head right before the final.

Once out in the water, however, he focused on what he needed to do rather than the pressure of competing for a national title.

“No, it wasn't daunting. I just knew what I had to do and went looking for the wave. I stayed quite calm.”

He knew he had secured the win with about a minute remaining in the heat.

The result marks another milestone for Louis, who said this was his first year making the Bay of Plenty team.

He admits a slow start in the heats nearly cost him, but he found form when it mattered and was a class above most of the surfers in his division.

His surfing journey began six years ago, after his mother’s surfboard sparked his interest.

 “She had a board when I was 8, and I was curious and wanted to give it a go.”

Since then, he has made the most of every opportunity to get into the water, surfing whenever conditions allow.

“Whenever there are waves, I get out and surf – every day if there are waves.”

His favourite spots include The Heads when conditions are right, as well as the coastline towards Matatā.

Louis is already looking ahead to his next challenge, competing at the Gisborne East Coast Pro this weekend in both the open men's and under-16 divisions.

Stepping up a grade will provide a tougher test, but it is one he is eager to take on.

“It will be a big challenge, but I'm excited.”

When it comes to surfing inspiration, Louis said he did not have one particular role model, instead looking up to the surfers competing on the World Surf League Championship Tour.

His success also came as part of a strong collective effort from the Bay of Plenty team, which claimed the overall national team title.

Louis is quick to acknowledge his teammates, giving a shout-out to the Bay of Plenty team for its achievement.

With a national title under his belt, a breakthrough award to his name and another competition on the horizon, the young surfer is continuing to build momentum – one wave at a time.