Different eras. Different backgrounds. Different journeys.
But the hundreds of surfers competing in 28 divisions at the National Championships in Gisborne this week have one thing in common – a love, perhaps even addiction, for riding the waves.
Or as it is more commonly known these days – “sharing thestoke”.
Gisborne's Benny Hutchings, 79, and Sean Hovell bump fists after the men's bodyboard final. Hutchings is a New Zealand and Australian surfing, kayaking and surf lifesaving great. Photo / PhotoCPL
Makorori Beach is the base for the week-long championships covering the full spectrum of the sport. From bodyboarding to stand-up paddleboarding; from short boards to longboards.
From under-14 “grommets” to over-70 “fossils”, they have all been out there chasing national glory and, importantly for many, enjoying the ride along the way.
Surfing knows no age barrier.
There are legends such as 79-year-old Benny Hutchings, who won the 1975 open men’s crown and competed at the World Championships before going on to coach New Zealand and Australian kayaking teams at eight consecutive Olympic Games.
Surfing NZ life member and four-time open men's champion Maz Quinn lets loose in the over-40 men's final which he won. Photo / PhotoCPL
There’s Gisborne’s own Maz Quinn, a four-time open champion who won the over-40s men’s final in a gripping duel with little brother Jay on Tuesday.
Stella Smith, of Gisborne, on her way to victory in the the women's stand-up paddleboard final. Photo / PhotoCPL
There’s Steve “Teddy” Colbert – the 1984 U18 champion who on exiting the water after winning the O50s title shouted: “42 years between drinks.”
There’s rising stars Izaro Williamson Sasia and Jaxon Willows, who ushered in a new era in winning the U18 and open men’s and women’s longboarding titles respectively.
Gisborne's Rachel Ormsby won the women's 50-70 years final and as is tradition was "chaired" across the sand as the champion. Photo / PhotoCPL
And there’s Olympian and the most successful open men’s title winner Billy Stairmand, who is looking for his ninth crown in 16 years.
Family is a powerful theme. Not just blood. But “brothers” and “sisters” through a shared passion.
It’s a hobby, a pastime, a sport and for some, an obsession.
For this week, it’s a competition, but when the battleground smoke clears on Saturday, most will go back to simply getting out in the ocean, being at one with Mother Nature and enjoying the ride.
Local legend Steve "Teddy" Colbert raises his arms in triumph after winning his second national title, the over-60s ... 42 years after his first. Photo / PhotoCPL
