He said the Gisborne Boardriders Club was hosting a varied programme on the social side of the event, while Surfing NZ was hosting the competition side at “either Makorori or at town beach”.
Ben Kennings, the chief executive of Surfing NZ, was also happy the event was set to begin on Saturday.
“We are super stoked to be coming down to Gisborne, being hosted by Gisborne Boardriders and supported by Trust Tairāwhiti for the 2026 national surfing championships,” Kennings said.
“The New Zealand surfing community loves heading to Gisborne for the event, and the entry numbers at capacity are evidence of this. Looking forward to a fun week of surf and high-performance surfing across the seven days and crowning champions across more than 20 divisions.”
Bub said it was hoped the weather would be good after heavy rain recently hit the district both last weekend and during the New Year period.
“The weather forecast is looking amazing, and it’s getting really hot and warm in summer, but with that, unfortunately, the waves are lacking a little bit. It looks like we will have a few good days at the start, but then it’s a bit more challenging,” he said.
“Saying that, it’s a long-range forecast, so a lot can change. But at least the weather looks good and no major storms or cyclones are coming, which is positive.”
He said participants of all ages would compete.
“There are divisions from the under-14s, under-16s and under-18s, and then all the way to over 70s even, including over 30s, 40s, shortboard, longboard, adaptive surfing, bodyboard and stand-up paddleboard. So it’s 20 divisions all up.
“Gisborne Boardriders, as the club, we’re going to welcome and host all the competitors and families. [We] created a kind of mini festival atmosphere around it, including a proper welcome, give it a go surfing days, movie nights, skate sessions and other bits and bobs.”
Programme of events:
Saturday, January 10, 4pm – Pōwhiri / welcome at Midway Hub. Free drinks and pizza thanks to Neighbourhood Pizzeria and Sunshine Brewery. Will cover the event format, judging, and schedule of events, as well as provide an opportunity to connect and mingle. All surfers, whānau and community welcome.
Sunday, January 11, 6pm– Neighbourhood Pizzeria. Live bands and mingling. Relaxed vibes, good food, live music and a chance to connect with surfers, friends and the local community.
Monday, January 12, 9am-12pm- GBC Open Learn to Surf Day. Always wanted to try surfing, or still new? This one’s for you. Discounted Give It a Go session, $10.
Tuesday and Thursday, January 13 and 15- Movie nights at Dome Cinema. Bar opens 5pm, movies start 7pm- Tuesday is Cold Water Surf Movie Night, with showings of Creatures of Habit and The Search for Volcano Island. Thursday will be a showing of Point of Change. Both nights include a screening of Gisborne Boardriders Club History by Damon Meade.
Wednesday, January 14, 4pm–7pm– Skate Expressions at Gisborne skatepark. Registration 4pm, Expression Session 5pm–7pm. Open to all ages and genders. Epic prizes and free barbecue. Thanks to Shane Kingsbeer and Sequence Surf Shop/Blair Stewart.
Thursday, January 15, 6pm- Club night, Neighbourhood Cantina. DJ vibes, bringing all Boardriders clubs together to connect, share stories and celebrate surf culture.
Friday, January 16, 10am–2pm– Coast Kids Surf Day. Inviting all coast kids in town to watch NZ’s best open surfers, learn about judging, get in the water themselves and finish with a barbecue.
Friday, January 16, 3pm– Ambrose Golf Tournament. Teams of four, $100 per team. Spot prizes. The winning team scores a Neighbourhood Pizzeria voucher. Poverty Bay Golf Club.
Saturday, January 17, 6pm- Afterparty at Smash Palace, from 6pm to close. Live music: Butlers, Flaxxies and Johnny, $40, limited tickets at Flicket.
Registrations and tickets for events are available through the club’s website or socials.
