By Mike Latronic – Tiger Abubo from the island of Kauaʻi is by far one of the most powerful junior surfers in the Hawaiʻi region. Quiet, calm, cool and collected on land, this young man hits the seawater and transforms into a titan, driving powerful speed carves, laying into solid rail work, and unleashing progression whenever the moment calls for it. His surfing carries that rare combination of strength and flow, with the kind of explosive turns that command respect.
Abubo’s consistency and explosiveness in the amateur ranks have placed him near the top of the pile for years. Raised on Kauaʻi’s powerful waves and sharpened by Hawaiʻi’s highly competitive junior circuit, Tiger has steadily built a reputation as one of the islands’ most dangerous competitors whenever a jersey goes on. He possesses a backhand off-the-lip that is arguably the best in his age bracket—and then some.
Internationally, he has already proven his ability. Competing for Team Hawaiʻi at the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, Abubo battled through a stacked international field to earn a bronze medal in the U-18 Boys division, posting strong scores including an excellent 8.50 ride and a 14.90 heat total in a high pressure scenario.
Those results added to a resume that already includes multiple national titles and state championships, along with strong performances in previous ISA junior events.
Now the lean, mean surfing machine from Kauaʻi approaches a major milestone. The upcoming ISA World Junior Championship in El Salvador this September will mark his final shot at a junior world title under the ISA banner. With years of experience, a powerful approach in the water, and the confidence that comes from standing on international podiums, Tiger Abubo enters this last junior campaign as one of Hawaiʻi’s most formidable young competitors.
And if his past performances are any indication, when Tiger paddles into position and the horn sounds, the calm Kauaʻi kid on the beach disappears—replaced by a surfer who attacks waves with authority.
Like many of Kauaʻi’s standout surfers before him, Abubo’s approach reflects the island’s rugged surf heritage—power, commitment, and respect for waves of consequence. It’s a style shaped by powerful reef breaks and a tight-knit surf community that has long produced surfers capable of standing tall on the world stage.
How did the Hawaii Surf Team tryouts go for you? I didn’t have to do the Hawaii Surf Team tryouts because at the last ISA (last year) I placed 3rd in the U18 Boys Final in Peru, which was enough to secure a spot.
Are you looking forward to the trip? I’m really looking forward to the trip. I competed in El Salvador at the ISA World Junior Championships two years ago, and it was an amazing experience. The waves are really good, and the culture and atmosphere there are super cool. I’m excited to go back, compete again, and represent Hawaii.
What do you recall of your earliest surfing experiences? My earliest surfing experiences were at my home break, Pine Trees. That’s really where everything started for me. I was riding a soft-top. I loved riding waves so much that I never wanted to get out of the water. I would stay out there for hours, and my mom usually had to call me in because I’d spend so long in the ocean.
Can you recall why you started surfing in the first place? Is surfing fun? Why? I started surfing at a very young age because of my parents—they’re both surfers, and their dads were surfers too. But that’s not the reason I kept going. I’ve loved surfing from the very beginning. There’s truly no other feeling in the world like the one you get from surfing. It’s what keeps me excited and coming back every time.
Talk about your equipment? What do you ride and why? I just started riding Sharpeye Surfboards, and they’re unlike anything I’ve ever surfed before. They feel faster, more responsive, and more connected to the water than any other boards I’ve ridden. I’m excited to keep pushing and see what I can do.
What are some of your hobbies besides surfing? Besides surfing, I enjoy doing some jiu-jitsu, fishing when the waves are small, and hanging out with friends.
What about school? I’m a straight-A student, and I’m most interested in math. I love that every problem has a solution.
Favorite surfers and why? My favorite surfer is Andy Irons because of the raw power he brought to every wave and the unique lines he would take. I also love that he came from the same place I’m from, showing that it’s possible to make it from here and reach the top.
So you made the HST junior tryouts again! All the years I’ve represented Hawaii it feels very special. Hawaii has such a rich surfing history, and being able to compete on the world stage wearing the Hawaiian colors is an honor. This will be my fourth time representing Hawaii at the ISA World Junior Championships. My first year was in Rio de Janeiro, where I finished tied for 6th. My second year was in El Salvador, which was my toughest event—I got eliminated in Round 5. My third year was in Peru, where I had my best result so far, making the podium and taking home a bronze medal. In my 4th year I am hoping to bring home the gold medal!