Gearing up for the Eastern Regional Championships

Gisborne surf lifesaving clubs will be well represented at the Eastern Regional Championships at Mt Maunganui this weekend. The event will be a warm-up for the nationals at the same beach in March. File picture

Surf lifeguards throughout the country are gearing up for the Eastern Regional Championships (ERCs) at Mt Maunganui this weekend.

The eastern region spans the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne areas but the championships attract competitors from throughout New Zealand.

“The ERCs offer almost all of the events available at the New Zealand championships, drawing upon the best of the best to determine the eastern regional champions and overall top club,” a carnival spokesperson said.

“The competition includes a wide variety of events, requiring varying levels of technical skill and physical fitness.

“With surf and weather conditions constantly changing, the competition has proved to be one of the most exciting competitions of the surf lifesaving calendar.

“The ERCs will be a fantastic opportunity to test skills and fitness on the Mount main beach as a build-up to the nationals.”

The New Zealand nationals will be held at Mt Maunganui from March 14 to 17.

The Eastern Regional Masters (over-30s)championships will be contested on Friday with competition starting at 1pm.

Round 4 of the New Zealand Surf Boat Series will be contested as part of the ERCs, along with surf canoes for both senior and master crews.

Gisborne’s involvement at the ERCs will be previewed in The Herald on Friday.