Black Fins call-up for Waikanae’s Tate

A sixth Gisborne surf lifesaving athlete, Christy Tate (pictured), is to compete for New Zealand’s Black Fins at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in the United States in September. Picture supplied

Gisborne lifeguard Christy Tate has been called into the Black Fins for the International Surf Rescue Championship (ISRC) in September.

She joins five other Gisborne athletes in the national team.

Tate, from the Kaiaponi Farms Waikanae club will make her debut as a Black Fin at the ISRC being held in South Padre, Texas.

She has been called into the 12-strong team as Danielle McKenzie (Auckland) is no longer available to compete.

“I’m so excited to be stepping on to the international stage as a Black Fin,” Tate said.

“It’s an honour and a privilege, and I can’t wait to not only represent New Zealand but also Waikanae. What an incredible opportunity.”

The ISRC is the biggest international ocean and beach competition in the world outside of the Lifesaving World Championships.

Held every two years, the event serves as a platform to test the skills and expertise of surf lifeguards and this year will include teams from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa and the USA.

“Although we will miss Danielle’s vast experience, strength and presence in the team, this provides an exciting opportunity for Christy to debut as a Black Fin,” Surf Life Saving New Zealand high performance manager Tanya Hamilton said.

The others from Gisborne in the team are Briana Irving and Michael Hanna of Waikanae, and Chris Dawson, Cory Taylor and Olivia Corrin of  Dawson Building Midway.