‘Beautiful community spirit’ at Fish Fest

The Fish Fest’ surfing event run by the group Kegge’ went down a treat at Makorori on Saturday with some nice waves and stylish surfing from riders across the age groups, like this backside carve by Duncan Milne.Picture by Steve Colbert

The Kegged crew’s Fish Fest surfing event at the Creeks break at Makorori Beach proved a big hit among youngsters and their older mentors alike.

It was the organisation’s fourth event of a series aimed at upskilling the district’s younger boardriders.

The specialised twin-fin surfboard competition attracted 60 Gisborne surfers.

“The event was designed to bring multiple generations and different surfing groups together in the community,” co-organiser and former national women’s champion Holly Quinn said.

“The mixed format saw surfers supporting the youngest kids during their 15-minute heats and helping them get under the solid three-to-four-foot waves.”

Quinn said it  was a unique opportunity for the groms to compete against some prominent names of the sport like Bobby Hansen, Jay Quinn and Paris Olympian Saffi Vette.

“All the surfers put on a huge display of surfing and we saw some beautiful community spirit and huge cheers from the crowds.”

Families spent the entire day on the beach.

The youngest competitor was just four years of age; the oldest was 78.

Heats were run as a mixed competition with women, juniors, open competitors and veterans surfing two rounds against each other.

“All surfers got two chances to surf and their best two scores over the rounds went towards division finals,” Quinn said.

“Judges gave extra points for dress-up and style.

“Boards were laid out on the beach for all to use. Surfers were sharing all kinds of crafts as long as it had two fins.”

Among the judges were Craig “Bondie” Bond and Steve “Teddy” Colbert — a couple of famous names of Gisborne Boardriders Club’s past.

Younger generation brother-sister combo Hannah and Jacob Kohn, along with Stella Smith, were on the judging panel with them.

The day was organised by Quinn, Jay Papworth and Amy Spence.

The event was supported by Sunshine Brewery and Tarāwhiti Adventure Trust.

An after-party was held at Tatapouri campground with live music from Set Waves.

Results —

Open division: Nick White.

Veterans:  Steve Roberts.

Juniors: Milo Livingston.

Women: Saffi Vette.

Other awards — Ocean Wizardry: Steve Roberts.

Wave of the Day: Jay Quinn,

Worst Dressed: Nick “Santa” Chapman.

Best Dressed: Waylon and Toby.

Female surfer award: Claire Youmans.

Judges’ picks: Duncan Milne and Mike Ferguson.

Ripping Grom: Flynn Dalton.