Surfing: Old-school ride secures grom's title

Mount Maunganui's William Barnes carved up on his way to claiming the 2014 New Zealand Longboard Open junior division at Papamoa. Photo/Andrew Warner

One of the smallest contestants put on the biggest show in front of the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club at Sunday's 2014 New Zealand Longboard Open.

Young William Barnes, of Mount Maunganui, a late entry on the family longboard at the suggestion of his father, thrilled onlookers with a classic display of old-school longboard riding to comfortably claim the junior title from Waihi's Ahren Watene-Jones.

Barnes' surfing buddy Taylor Griffin finished third, but from the time Barnes produced a nose ride and vicious cut-back it was clear the event belonged to him.

"I just entered it today because it was quite small, so I thought I'd have a go at it," said the diminutive Barnes while sporting a brand-new Sector 9 skateboard as a prize.

"I surf it when the waves are small, but when they are bigger I go for the short board.

"I caught one good wave and just managed to hold on with some other good ones."

Barnes, who surfs his local break at Mount Maunganui when he cannot get across to Matakana Island on the family boat, will now turn his attention to upcoming shortboard competitions.

Papamoa's Kelsi Efford, who surfed out of her skin to claim second place in the Open Women's division, was another flying the flag for the locals.

"I'm really stoked to be able to do it here at my home break - I grew up here and have been here my whole life," Efford said.

"I started surfing eight years ago, so it's cool to have a competition here and to get a placing.

"As soon as the hooter went I think I managed to catch the first wave. I paddled right in front of the surf club and it was a fun ride."

Efford's big day, notable for her best-ever finish at a national event, did not stop there.

She was one of two proud recipients of a beautiful sculpture produced by local artist and good friend Whare Heke, who donated the works as prizes for competitors who upheld the true spirit of surfing.