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AFTER a few weeks of small surf and onshore winds, this weekend is shaping up to be a hisser.
The north-east swell that has kept us on our toes all week could produce the goods with westerlies forecast for tomorrow and Sunday.
Gisborne surfers will be frothing after a dry spell, especially with temperatures predicted to be in the high twenties tomorrow.
Summer is kicking in and more people are flocking to the region, so don’t expect to roll up to Stock Route first thing tomorrow and find only a small crew on it. There was a sizeable pack out this morning.
It could be a good weekend to dig out the camping gear and head north or south.
There should be a wave in the three-foot range after work today as well, and stoke levels will be high at Sequence’s Twilight surf event at northern Makorori. It starts at 4pm and if the turnout is anything like last Friday’s comp, the groms will be out in force (I know where I will not be surfing later this arvo).
They will battle it out for some classic surfing prizes, including backpacks, surfboards, caps, towels and wallets.
Northern Makorori hosts the Boardroom Summer Slam on Sunday. It is a family-friendly event and a good opportunity for the up-and-coming Ricardo Christies or Paige Harebs to get a free surf lesson.
Speaking of Ricardo Christie, you go son! He is through to the quarterfinals of the Vans World Cup in Oahu after dropping a 7.77 in the last few minutes. Critical surfing. He will face Mick Fanning, Conner Coffin and Dane Reynolds . . . not ideal, but he looks solid on the big open faces of Sunset Beach.
Word is, to have any chance of requalifying for the Championship Tour through the Qualifying Series, he needs to make it to the final and if he keeps surfing like this, he has a good chance.
Matt Scorringe is another kiwi who has surfed on the QS and he is in town next weekend for the Art of Surfing. For those who are not familiar with the Raglan-based surfer and his coaching workshops, look it up online and register if you like what you see.
Scorringe caddied for Josh Kerr on the CT in 2009 and was his personal filmer, so not doubt he can help you improve your technique.
The under-16 coaching course is on the 12th and the open-day course on the 13th. Expect to fork out around $150 for one of the spaces.