Success at Whangamatā Classic for Gisborne surf lifesavers

Waikanae lifeguards Briana Irving (left) and Christy Tate raced well for their teams in the Invitational surf lifesaving event at Whangamatā on Sunday.

Gisborne surf athletes who raced at the Whangamatā Classic at the weekend won a share of events in a strong showing early in the season.

Dawson Building Midway’s Ella Sutton was a standout with wins in the iron and board races, and a second in the ski in the Under-17 women’s division.

Clubmate Jacqueline Kennedy won the ski and was third in the iron race in the same age group.

Sutton, Kennedy and Emily Petro combined to win the Taplin.

Taylor Newman was third in the U15 women’s ski.

Sophie Petro was third in the U19 and Open Women’s board race.

Midway club member Ella Sutton enjoyed success at the Whangamatā Classic surf lifesaving carnival at the weekend including winning the Under-17 women's iron race.

Midway’s Yahni Brown was a standout in the U19 and Open Men’s section with third in the board and second in the iron race. Tyron Evans was third in the iron race.

“It was a great day out for the crew,” Midway head coach Jack Gavin said.

“Great to see Sophie, Yahni and Tyron take it to the open guys and get some results.

“Our U17 girls were dominant and showed they are going to be a force to be reckoned with this season.

“Ella [Sutton] was clinical in the ironman and raced with some real purpose, which shows some great development from last season.

“Special mention to Taylor [Newman] taking a bronze in her first event.”

Kaiaponi Farms Waikanae’s Briana Irving and Christy Tate enjoyed a great day of racing in the Invitational event at Whangamatā on Sunday.

Both picked up solid points for their respective teams.

Waikanae’s Seven Mapu pulled out because of injury.