IN a time where Channel Island surfing continues to produce talented youngsters, one local adding himself to that growing list is teenager Aleks Blampied, after earning selection for the Norwegian National Recruitment team for 2025.
Blampied’s Norwegian roots stem from his mother’s side of the family tree, and, at just 14 years old, he will be the youngest member of the 12-strong team, brought together for coaches to assess ability and to offer high-level instruction, as well as offer opportunities to progress.
The Les Quennevais student submitted an expression of interest at an open invitation, in which he met the criteria and was subsequently selected, to which father Lee described Aleks as “amazed and excited”.
Needless to say, this is an incredible opportunity for such a young athlete to learn from top-level coaches and surfers, headed by lead coach Shannon Ainslie.
If all goes to plan, Blampied is expected to attend the Norwegian National Championships later this year, as well as other local competitions in Norway.
Father Lee spoke glowingly of his son’s achievement, saying: “Aleks is just over the moon at the moment, it’s such an incredible opportunity.
“For someone so young to be selected for such an opportunity to listen and learn from some of the best in the game is an incredible achievement and one he is extremely excited to get started with.
“We originally sent off some information to the Norwegian surfing people, not really expecting to hear anything back, but when we did we were so delighted.”
Heading up the team’s training will be Norwegian Surfing head coach, Shannon Ainslie, who brings many years ofexperience, as well as incredibly being the survivor of two separate shark attacks.
“Head coach Shannon [Ainslie] is such an incredible guy with an amazing back story in surfing,” Lee continued.
“He will be able to offer so much experience and wisdom to all 12 surfers picked for this team, which is only going to benefit them moving forwards.
“Aleks is expecting to compete in some of the Norwegian Surfing Series events this year, as well as the Norwegian National Championships, although no dates have been confirmed as of yet.”
Blampied has been surfing since the age of seven, first starting out in the Laneez Surf School at St Ouen’s Bay, falling in love with the sport and training more and more after school and on weekends.
He was eventually selected into Saturday training sessions with the Jersey Surfboard Academy, before being selected for the Jersey Surfboard Club junior squad.
From there, he has kicked on to sensational heights, including representing the CISF [Channel Island Surfing Federation] at the ESF U18 Championships in Portugal last July and the Euro Cup, which was hosted in Jersey back in October of last year.
“It’s incredible to think he is being afforded these opportunities at just 14 years of age. It’s a real testament to his hard work and passion for the sport,” added his dad.
“Despite this opportunity with Norway, Aleks is still just as committed to Jersey and CI surfing.
“He will use this selection as an opportunity to learn, sending off clips of his training and getting to discuss his progression with these top coaches and gain valuable insight into how he can continue his upward learning curve.
“Aleks is incredibly excited and honoured to be given this opportunity. The future is looking extremely exciting and he can’t wait to throw himself into it headfirst.”
