Festival atmosphere at SUP champs

Stand Up Paddle Board - Geoff at comp may 2016

CELEBRATION almost overrode competition at the 3rd Annual Tairawhiti Stand Up Paddle Surfing Champs.

Thirty SUP enthusiasts converged on northern Makorori. While titles were a focus, the atmosphere pervading the day-long event was one of celebration and enjoyment of a surfing discipline that has exploded worldwide.

“The event ran smooth-as,” said co-organiser Peter Boyd of the Tairawhiti Standup Paddlesurf Club.

“It was not so much about ratings, it was more about the sport and support of SUP. It was almost like a festival.”

That said, winners emerged after a full day of action in conditions Boyd said were ideal for paddle surfing. Geoff Pardoe won the open men’s division and rising shortboard surfer Stella Smith took out the women’s and junior titles.

Jimbo Hurunui, father of former surfing professional Lisa, won the over-60s; Australia-based Wayne Johnstone, formerly of Gisborne, won the over-50s; Tommy Swann won the over-40s; and Hawke’s Bay’s Byron Crawford won the novice division.

Several special awards were presented. Billy Park was named biggest grommet (Boyd estimated Park’s age as in the 50s), 11-year-old Eddie Holdsworth was named biggest charger and Khade Reedy won the award for being the most stylish rider.

Boyd said the club received excellent feedback. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

“A big thanks to all our sponsors and supporters and those who travelled through (Johnstone and fellow ex-Gisbornite Paul Quirk came from across the Tasman).”

Boyd said a calendar of events would be posted on the club’s Facebook page over the next couple of weeks.