Masters ready for their day in the sun

CHAMPIONS AGAIN: The Wainui master women’s canoe team, with a combined age of over 200 years, made it back-to-back New Zealand masters titles in their age division at the national surf lifesaving championships at Mount Maunganui. They are (from left) Sophie Burns, Moira Lee, Carolyn Hodgkinson and Anelia Evans.File picture

THE TSB New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships begin at Midway Beach tomorrow for the 240-plus athletes set to contest the masters side of the championships.

Since masters competition began in the l990s, the over-30 component of the nationals has always been popular.

The 243-strong field for tomorrow is about on a par with the entry for previous championships.

“Many masters athletes train specifically for this event,” lifesaving spokeswoman Debbie Hutchings said.

“They look forward to it, not only for the competition but also for the social aspects of the day.

“It’s a chance to catch up with old friends and compete against them.

“The masters side of the nationals has remained strong since it started — testament to the value of the competiiton.”

The day starts at 8.30am, with races for surf boats and skis.

The age groups for individual events are 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54 and upwards.

Team events are in accumulated age categories — 90 years plus, 110+, 120+, 140+, 160+, 180+ and 200+.

The programme includes run-swim-run and surf races, board races, ironman, beach flags and sprints, and relays for runners, surf teams, double-ski, boats, surf canoes, and the taplin.

Hutchings, from Waikanae, will compete tomorrow in her usual beach events and a couple of water events as well, before she takes up her role as carnival referee for the club championships that start on Friday.

“I am looking forward to it.”

Clubmate Michelle “Mitch” Mitchell will take part in a host of water and beach events.

Both women made strong showings at the masters in Christchurch last year and can be expected to be among the top contenders in their age groups.

Waikanae’s Adam Tate, who will compete in the ski and double ski, is another traditionally strong performer, along with Leigh Sheldrake.

The club will also have men’s and women’s canoe teams competing.

Midway will have a men’s canoe team, and Wainui will have both men and women canoe paddlers competing.

Wainui’s Jason Low and Matt Logan will compete in the double ski and Sonia Keepa will compete in beach and water events.