FROTHIN’ AT THE SLAM

HAPPY CHAPPIE: The smile on the face of 10-year-old Luke Reynolds sums up the Summer Slam surfing event held at Makorori on Saturday. Picture by Paul Rickard

Young surfers from across Gisborne descended on Makorori Beach for the annual Summer Slam event on Saturday.

Over 250 people made their way to the beach to enjoy the warm weather and “perfect waves” as the 120-strong field of competitors took to the surf.

Young brothers Lani and Momo Steffen walked away with a brand new Mayhem board from The Boardroom while Harry McFarlane is the happy new owner of a second-hand board signed by former World Surf League Championship Tour competitor Ricardo Christie.

The event was designed to encourage groms of all skill levels to head down and enjoy the first weekend of summer.

As well as the competition side of the Summer Slam, there was free coaching available throughout the day.

“That’s what our event is all about, getting kids to the beach and surfing — from absolute beginners to total rippers,” organisers said.

“Big thanks to everyone who helped out on the day, to all the parents who brought their kids along and to all our sponsors.”

Rusty Lambert 1, Flynn Dalton 2, Indy Williams 3, Ziggy Buss 4.

Harry McFarlane 1, Neko Dalton 2, Archie Alder 3, Momo Steffen 4.

Shea Ferguson 1, Milo Livingston 2, Oli Tong 3, Jett Dalton 4.

Sol O’Connor 1, Lani Steffen 2, Seth Ingoe 3, Gabe Lobb 4.