While they had always had a healthy sibling rivalry, the brothers travelled for years competing with each other and, if anything, it pushed him to become a better surfer, Jay said.
Gisborne Boardriders had a storied history as one of the biggest and best surf clubs in the world, he said.
“It’s pretty special to be in there . . .
and it’s always nice to have your achievements recognised.”
Gisborne Boardriders committee member Andrew McCulloch said Quinn’s u18 world title was an incredible story.
“In solid, clean conditions, Jay surfed flawlessly and was rewarded with excellent, near-perfect scores,” McCulloch said.
“His nearest rival was almost 10 points behind. It was such an emphatic win that no one could deny he was the best under-18 surfer in the world.”
McCulloch said that was a historic day for New Zealand surfing as Quinn was also a member of the New Zealand team who won the world teams title on the same day.
Quinn went on to a career travelling the world and competing, but was quick to acknowledge it all started with the grassroots contests put on by the Gisborne Boardriders Club.
McCulloch said it was perfect timing to “finally acknowledge” Quinn for the competitive success and achievements he had amassed over his career.
“Having Jay return to Gisborne with his young family is a massive boost to the club.
“Together with the other world-class surfers in our region, such as Ricardo Christie, these experienced professionals are inspiring the next generation of competitive surfers to aim high, and they are also encouraging their contemporaries back into a contest vest and helping rebuild the competitive strength of the club.”
Also at the prize-giving this week, Gisborne Boardriders made Glen Sutton a life member.
Sutton was an early committee member and was nominated by Gisborne Boardriders development officer Flo Bub after he had researched the club’s history for its 50th jubilee.
“He donated some priceless movie footage he shot over many years,” Bub said.
Damon Meade had digitised the footage and it was now archived for future generations.
Bub said that Sutton had been recognised for his contribution not just to surfing, but to watersports in general.
“To me, he epitomises a true waterman, who has contributed directly to our club but probably more so indirectly.
“Glen and Benny (Hutchings) broke a lot of barriers between surfing and surf lifesaving, and always encouraged cross-over between the codes.”
Finn Vette was named surfer of the year after winning the u16 national title and the u16 King of the Point competition, and amassing a string of outstanding results in the open division of the regional shortboard circuit.
Gisborne Boardriders also announced the winners of the short and longboard regional circuit. The longboarders had four competitions over the year, with their top three results counting towards the title, while the shortboarders had five competitions, with their top four results counting.
Asia Braithwaite won the women’s division and Damon Gunness, the open.
The club also announced a revamped competition schedule for next year.
Three major shortboard competitions will be held — in March, May and November — with over $5000 in prize money.
Longboarders will have one big competition — The Gathering of Stoke Longboard Classic — at Easter weekend, with amateur and pro divisions.
Jay Quinn.
Glen Sutton.
Finn Vette.
Dan Croskery.
Ollie Tong.
Geordie Sawyer.
Damon Gunness 1, Brent Rasby 2, Ricardo Christie 3.
Asia Braithwaite 1, Ruby Lobb 2, Mahia Braithwaite 3.
Ollie Tong 1, Milo Livingston 2, Shea Ferguson 3.
Bonnie Lynch.
Gabe Lobb 1, Riku Gordon 2, Dale Cromhout 3.
Mahia Braithwaite.
Asia Braithwaite 1, Ruby Lobb 2, Louis Evans 3.
Sam Phillips 1, Anton Lobb 2, Andrew McCulloch 3.
John Gisby 1, Mike Yukich 2, Ross Moodie 3.
Marguerite Vujcich
Daryn Mcbride 1, Dan Croskery 2, Daniel Procter 3.
Sam Johnson 1, Dan Croskery 2, Scott Pitkethley 3.
Hannah Kohn 1, Jay Ryan-Emerre 2, Alice Kranenburg 3.
Scott Pitkethley 1, Jinx Johnson 2, Carl Neustroski 3.
