Event manager Scott Bicknell said he expects to see a big performance again from the Mount.
“The Waikanae team for these nationals again seems pretty strong, like they were last year.
“I would expect to see all the Gisborne clubs compete well here this weekend.”
Waikanae head coach Cory Hutchings said their goal was simple — for their athletes to compete well and make finals.
“It's not about the overall points for us,” said the former world champion. “That's a bonus. It's performance from all our athletes that we want to see.”
The club will have a strong team of 48 athletes in action.
Beach sprinters like Briana Irving, Seven Mapu, Oska Smith and Casie Fyall will be serious contenders.
“We will also look for strong performances from the likes of Lachie Falloon, Summer Roulston, who has joined us from Australia, Christy Tate and Georgie Pitkethley.
“So, too, the likes of Quaid Thompson and the Ferkins brothers.”
Waikanae will also have some useful canoe teams.
Dawson Building Midway head coach Matt Sutton said his club had a good team of 25 athletes.
“We welcome back Cory Taylor and Olivia Corrin (from Australia) this weekend. It's always great to have them with us as athletes and because they're real leaders in our group,” Sutton said.
“Cory, particularly, is looking really good. He's physically and mentally in a really good place.
“He is the country's best surf athlete at the moment.”
Unfortunately, Corrin will only take a limited part in the competition due to an injury.
“Olivia will not be doing any individual races, but will be part of some teams,” Sutton said. “She wants to race, but all the medical advice at the moment is for her to take it easy.”
The club had a solid bunch of youngsters lining up in their first nationals, said Sutton.
“Jack Lepper and Tyron Evans would be ones to watch for in the under-16 events.”
Both medalled at the recent Oceans (under-14) championships.
“We've got a strong group of open women, too, with the likes of Annabel Higgins and Alex Bermingham.”
Riversun Wainui head coach Dion Williams said he was “so excited it's not even funny”.
“A lot of our kids have done a lot of work and are prepared to put it all on the line and have a crack.”
Wainui's best points score at a nationals is 29 points.
“Our aim is to match that.”
Ava Smith should be a strong contender in the u19 and open board races.
Under-16 competitors Jack Keepa and Jonty Evans will give it a good go in several events.
“I would rate those two highly in the board rescue, ironman and surf races,” Williams said.
“Jasmine Smith and Abby Falwasser-Logan are back for us in the open women's events and they will be great for our team spirit.
“I think our women are going to have a lot of fun in the canoes over the weekend — in the open and under 19 divisions.”
• The club championships start at 8am tomorrow.
