Seven-year-old surfing wonder wins Mount Manganui comp

Indica Knox Corcoran, 7, won a surfing competition in the Under-9 division. Photo/Andrew Warner

Seven-year-old surfer kid Indica Knox Corcoran from Mount Maunganui showed off his rare talent and won a surfing competition over the weekend.

Indi won the Under-9s division of the Western Bay of Plenty Primary School Surf Comp at Tay St in Mount Maunganui on Friday, also taking out the biggest wave score.

Despite the other surfers being two years older than him, his mother Renee Tregurtha said that was no big deal, Indi often competed against 12- to 14-year-old surfers.

Ms Tregurtha said Indi was quietly chuffed to come first place but took it in his stride.

He wanted to be a pro one day and this was all part of the journey.

"He's just so passionate, he love, love, loves surfing."

Indi often travelled to Australia for competitions because New Zealand did not offer many in his age division.

"We're hoping to do more of that this year," Ms Tregurtha said.

Last year Indi competed in and won the 6-year-old division of Hurley BL's Blast Off in Sydney in August. Earlier that month he placed fifth in the Billabong Grom Attack at Bali's Kuta Beach.

The cost to get Indi to and from competitions was hefty and they were always looking for sponsorship to help him pursue his passion for surfing.

Indi had recently began working with a local coach, Alex Dive, who took Indi out at least once a week to show him technique and style.

Ms Tregurtha said Indi was getting better and better thanks to all the practice and competitions.

Otherwise Indi was out practising whenever there were waves.

When he was not riding waves the 7-year-old was on his special skateboard, designed for similar surfing movement.

"He's sponsored by the board brand, Smooth Star, so he gets free boards which is pretty cool," Ms Tregurtha said.

The Western Bay of Plenty Primary Schools Surf Competition was started in 2010 and is organised by Te Kura o Matapihi and Te Akau Ki Papamoa School.

It was for the growing number of children interested surf.