Main Beach surf so wild champs at Shark Alley

A major surf lifesaving event has had to be moved along the Mount because of the rough surf.
The Northern Regional Championships, involving about 1000 athletes, has been moved from it's usual site at the Mount Main Beach to Shark Alley, because of the choppy conditions.
And the public have been warned to keep out of the water for their own safety. Mount Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club president Brett Warner said the currents off the shore break made it too dangerous because of the equipment needed to be placed in the surf for swimmers.
As a result the open and under 19 competitors have been moved to Shark Alley, the area between Moturiki Island and Motuotau Island.
The under 16s have been moved to Omanu.
Mr Warner said the move is for the safety of the competitors. Eight years ago, a similar shift occurred.