Competition call-out to all paddleboarders

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

STAND-up paddle surfers are invited to the first stand-up paddleboard surf competition of the season tomorrow, meeting at the Pipe at 6.30am.

Four divisions are scheduled:

Open menOpen womenUnder 20Over 50This will be the recently-formed Tairawhiti Stand-Up Paddle surf club’s inaugural event.

“Depending on surf conditions, we will make the decision where to go,” says club chairman Peter Boyd.

A few stand-up paddleboard (SUP) events have previously been held in Gisborne but the establishment of a club helps bring people together, says Mr Boyd.

Tomorrow’s competition is about testing the water.

“We are trying to get a point of contact for the various stand-up paddleboard riders.”

The design of SUPs means surfers can catch waves in small or mushy conditions other board riders would struggle with.

“They can pick up a sniff,” says Mr Boyd.

SUP surfing is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Activities include flat-water racing, surfing, fishing and even yoga, says Mr Boyd.

Entry for tomorrow’s event is $10. A barbecue will be held afterwards.

For more information, or to register, call Gary Smith 022 397 8493 or Peter Boyd 027 436 1343.