Top of his class ... Harry McFarlane carves a track to victory in the Under-16 boys' division at the Tairāwhiti secondary school surfing championships held at Makorori Beach. Photo / Derek Fryer
Top of his class ... Harry McFarlane carves a track to victory in the Under-16 boys' division at the Tairāwhiti secondary school surfing championships held at Makorori Beach. Photo / Derek Fryer
The impressive progress junior surfers have made over summer was showcased at the Tairāwhiti secondary school championships.
Glassy conditions at Makorori Beach were enjoyed at the Khodi-sponsored, Gisborne Boardriders Club-organised event, which brought together surfers from across the region.
James Fowell and Nicholas Chapman ensured the event ran smoothly anddrew on their own surfing experience to offer feedback throughout the day.
Chapman said some of the surfers had made outstanding progress over the summer.
“Through consistent training, competition experience and a real commitment to improving their skills, we’ve seen significant growth in both their performance and confidence in the water.
Under-18 girls' champion Brooke Matthews and U16 girls' winner Charlotte McDiarmid with their trophies. Photo / Derek Fryer
“We saw these young surfers sharing a great time out there,” said Anneleen Van Damme of Gisborne Boardriders.
“They competed to an excellent level on their local beach with friends cheering them on.”
Gisborne Boardriders is looking forward to several events – Junior Series 2 this weekend, the Gizzy champs on March 28, Junior Series 3 on April 3 and the Gathering Of Stoke on April 11-12.
RESULTS
Under-14 girls: Sophie Phelps 1st.
U16 girls: Charlotte McDiarmid 1st.
U18 girls: Brooke Matthews 1st.
U14 boys: Roy Thomas 1st, Connal McCavana 2nd, Felix Tong 3rd, Moss Crick 4th.
U16 Boys: Harry McFarlane 1st, Jaxon Pardoe 2nd, Archie Alder 3rd, Tobias Smith 4th.
