A pair of Te kura o Matapihi School's former pupils are being reminded to 'remember their roots” as they battle the world's best at the 2014 Vissla ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.

Kehu Butler and Kea Smith and Kumikumi Trust chairman Hemi Rolleston at Te kura o Matapihi School. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Kehu Butler and Kea Smith are part of a 12-strong New Zealand team heading to Ecuador in April for the annual event – attracting more than 30 nations and 250 competitors under the age of 13.

The two Mount Maunganui surfers paid a special visit to their former school today in the lead up to the world event where they were each presented $5000 by the Kumikumi Trust towards their trip.

'It's a huge weight off both our shoulders. It means no more fundraising as it covers the whole trip,” says Kehu.

Kehu and Kea, both 13-years-old, are part of a record breaking five athletes named from the Bay of Plenty, the most surfers ever named from a single region.

Kumikumi Trust chairman Hemi Rolleston, speaking in front of the school, says this is a 'significant koha” helping pave the way for the two surfers in what is a fantastic opportunity.

Hemi says the pair's success is an inspiration to the current crop of pupils and shows that if they put their minds to something they can become anything they want – but it is always important to remember who helped them along the way.

'Never forget where you come from. Remember to always give back,” says Hemi.

The pair left the school three years ago and say it is weird to be back, especially this time when they are in front of the pupils and teachers.

'It's bringing back memories from a couple of years ago,” says Kehu.

'I remember seeing all the little kids when I was sitting there and they have all grown up.”

With the fundraising and travel costs now covered, Kehu and Kea are putting all their spare time into training and surfing, while attending Mount Maunganui College.

'We are trying to get out there as much as possible.”

The World Junior Surfing Championships has been an annual event since 2003. New Zealand has competed at the event since its inception, as well as competing at the World Grommet Titles, as it was formerly known since 1989.

In 2013 the New Zealand team placed ninth at the event when it was held in Nicaragua.

The 2014 edition takes place at La Fae Beach, Salinas, Ecuador from the April 5-13.

Kehu Butler in action.