15 Year Old Maori Lad First Surfer Signed With Redbull NZ

A young Tauranga surfer has been named as New Zealand's first Red Bull surf athlete, joining an elite stable that includes some of the sport's biggest names.

Fifteen-year-old Kehu Butler found out last week that he had been chosen to be part of Red Bull's exclusive athlete pool, after Warriors star Shaun Johnson handed Kehu the news, along with a one-on-one touch game.

Kehu said he found out about the deal during a surprise announcement from his idol, Johnson, and the entire Warriors NRL team in Auckland.

"I'm stoked to be the first New Zealand surfer," Kehu said.

"I'm just buzzing."

He was attending a Warriors training at Mt Smart Stadium, and had no idea what was going to happen.

Kehu was handed his Red Bull branded cap by expedition kayak athlete Ben Brown, and his Red Bull surfboard by Johnson.

His father, Khan, said Red Bull scouts had had their eyes on his son since he was 13 or 14.

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