Surf lifesaving: Double success for Bay athletes at Mount Maunganui

Athletes in action at the Eastern Regional Championships at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Alana McIsaac

Bay of Plenty surf lifesavers had another win at Mount Maunganui Beach today.

The team took out the New Zealand Representative Challenge by just 1.5 points over main rivals Northern Region to finish first in both the open and youth divisions.

The Bay was among seven regions competing in the one-day competition. Gisborne came third.

Battling intense heat and big swells, Bay athletes had wins across various events including the beach flags, board race, rescue tube, short course canoe and IRB single rescue events to edge out their rivals going into the final two races.

Event manager Scott Bicknell said the day could not have gone any better despite a few "spills and thrills".

"The event has been a huge success. The surf conditions were a little challenging at times so that provided some exciting spectating with the occasional mistake, but they [the athletes] all handled it very well and clearly enjoyed it.

"Most of the races were incredibly close and came down to the wire, plus the unique Mount Maunganui Beach and shore-break provided a little extra test for the athletes. All in all, it showed how talented the athletes are and why they are amongst some of the best out there."

The competition was held directly after the Eastern Regional Championships, which were dominated by three Bay of Plenty Teams.

The next event on the Surf Life Saving New Zealand calendar is the final round of the New Zealand Surf Boat Series held on February 3-4 at Waihi Beach.

New Zealand Representative Challenge Results - Open
1. Bay of Plenty, 242.5
2. Northern Region, 241
3. Gisborne, 225

New Zealand Representative Challenge Results - Youth
1. Bay of Plenty, 211
2. Northern Region, 200.5
3. Taranaki, 195.5