IT'S A long road to the 2020 Olympics in Japan, but Snapper juniors Dextar Muskens and Kai Tandler got the surprise of their lives when receiving a call-up to represent Australia in next month's World ISA Open Titles at Tahara, Japan.

"I definitely wasn't expecting the call-up as I haven't competed in any State rounds or the Australian titles since I was 15 but I'm so excited to be representing Australia again,” said Muskens, who last represented Australia in the 2015 World ISA Juniors but this is his first time to be selected in the open team.

"I had mixed emotions when I got the call because I had already booked a trip to Indo at the same time but opportunities like this don't come around every day, so it was a no-brainer and I am super excited to get over to Japan,” said the super talented 18-year-old goofy foot who has been to Japan as his mum, Mari, is Japanese.

Whereas for fellow Snapper member, Kai Tandler, it will be his first time to wear the green and gold for his country.

"I'm really happy that I have been given the opportunity to represent my country and compete at such a high level. It's going to be such an amazing experience,” said Kai who was just as surprised as Tex for the late call-up.

"I couldn't believe it at first, but now it's sunk in, I'm super excited. The thought of being selected never even crossed my mind.

"This is going to be my first time representing Australia on a world stage as part of an official Australian team.”

It's still a way off to the 2020 Olympics but Kai is aware of the Olympic connection by surfing in ISA (International Surfing Association) events which is part of the criteria for selection in the 2020 Olympics in Japan.

"I've been following the news about surfing in the Olympics and how the WISA Surfing Games are going to become a critical Olympic qualifying system event leading up to Japan 2020, so to be selected in such an important event was a real shock,” said 17-year-old Kai, a Year 12 student aiming to do engineering at university but will take a year off studying next year to compete in surf trips.

Callum Robson of Evans Head was another surprise call-up. Dextar Muskens kicked off the year in winning form, taking out his first Australian Pro Junior and along with other local surfers Alyssa Lock and Zahli Kelly, has qualified for next year's WSL World Professional Junior titles.

Dextar's favourite saying is: "It's a marathon, not a sprint.”

"When I was in Grade 10, I was chatting with PBC sports co-ordinator Rod Patterson, and he told me that quote and since then I've lived by it because in sports you are going to have more losses than wins but if you stick at it, you're bound to succeed eventually.”