Action from the 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge at Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach. Photo / Jamie Troughton Dscribe Media Services
Action from the 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge at Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach. Photo / Jamie Troughton Dscribe Media Services
Australia will be taking the 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge title home after a fierce competition at Mount Main Beach.
The final day of the three-day challenge on Sunday was packed with excitement both on the beach and in the waves, and crowds of supporters.
Australia had adecisive win with a total of 550 points, New Zealand was in second place with 524, and South Africa took third place with 421, Surf Life Saving NZ said.
Australia Open Mixed lifesaver relay team won first place in last race of the day. Photo / Supplied
The pace of racing was elevated for surf events on Sunday as swells had dropped considerably after more dramatic conditions for tests one and two on Thursday and Friday.
“My team put it together on the final day really, really well. We came away with lots of great performances and we’re thrilled to have the overall win,” Australia’s head coach Zayne Hamil said.
“Every single day’s been different and has thrown up different challenges. The racing’s been intense. We’ve been constantly adapting and so have the organisers and the officials and I think, collectively, everyone’s done a great job.”
Hamil said it had been good to have so many countries come together for this experience.
He said big waves across the first couple of days made it eye-opening for a lot of countries who aren’t as used to this as Australia and New Zealand – and even the Kiwi athletes found it challenging - but everyone handled it well.
“The whole event changed where it needed to, and I think it was positive across all three days. This International Surf Rescue Challenge was fantastic. We love coming to Mount Maunganui and we appreciate the hospitality.”
Action from the 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge at Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach. Photo / Jamie Troughton Dscribe Media Services
New Zealand’s head coach, Kev Morrison, said he was proud of the Kiwi team, as they gave it everything they had, even when faced with some challenges.
He said the Australians were very highly skilled, and whenever any small opportunity presented itself, they knew how to run with it – they saw those sliding moments and maximised them.
“As well as being so proud of our team, it’s so great to see lifesaving sport levelling up globally. Conditions on the first two days were the most challenging I’ve ever seen for a competition like this, and it was tough going but everyone stayed competitive.
“We’re seeing countries like USA and Japan scoring points that they wouldn’t have been able to a couple of years ago, they’re taking home some race wins too and that’s great for the sport.”
Surf Life Saving New Zealand sport general manager Zac Franich said it was a proud day for lifesaving sport in New Zealand.
“It’s been a real privilege to watch three days of the world’s best, and seeing these teams battle not just each other but also the elements. I’m proud of all competitors, as well as the team here who have delivered a genuinely memorable experience, especially for the next generation of surf lifesavers.”
