Top guns here to mentor Ocean Warriors

LESSGO!: Off and running in an under-14 girls race at last summer's Ocean Warrior surf lifesaving competition in Gisborne. The 2020-2021 edition once again features two events — the first of those at Waikanae Beach over the weekend, the second in Auckland next month. The Gisborne Herald file picture

The Ocean Warrior board paddling and swim series for surf lifeguards returns tomorrow and organisers expect even more interest than last season.

The two-round series, sponsored by Sonic Surf Craft and Eastland Port, debuted last summer at Midway Beach, with the second round held at Red Beach in Auckland.

It has been described as a fast-paced and different version of what athletes normally do at surf carnivals.

Organiser Jason Pocock expects interest to again be high.

Entry numbers have been good so far for both rounds.

One of Gisborne's most accomplished surf lifesavers will mentor some of the country's top board paddling talent in the series.

Dawson Building Midway club member and New Zealand representative Chris Dawson is one of four Ocean Warrior kaiarahi (leader) for the 2021 carnivals.

“Chris's record of national and international titles and honours sees him enjoy a place at the top table of the sport in New Zealand,” Pocock said.

“He will be alongside New Zealand Black Fins team captain Steve Kent, Madi Kidd and junior Black Fins captain Claudia Kelly, who will also mentor the newest crop of board paddlers competing in the series.”

The first round is at Waikanae Beach this weekend. It features competition from 11am to 2pm tomorrow and a mentoring day on Sunday.

About 100 youngsters will be involved.

“We still have plenty of spots open in both and we would love to see as many young paddlers come along to compete and learn from our kaiarahi,” Pocock said.

“While Covid-19 has thrown a hefty spanner in the works for a lot of sporting events locally and globally, the Ocean Warrior team are committed to delivering even more than they did last summer.

“This past year has been challenging for a lot of people and that's driven us to get the Ocean Warrior series back for another run.”

Due to border restrictions, Pocock and his team have been unable to bring last summer's mentors Cory Taylor and Olivia Corrin (both members of Midway, Dani McKenzie and Max Beattie back from Australia.

“But in Dawson, Kidd, Kelly and Kent, we have equally talented surf stars to call on.

“They've all got loads of experience to pass on and I'm certain everyone who competes in Gisborne and Auckland will come away with skills they'll be able to use this season and beyond.”

The series is open to surf athletes aged 11 to 17 years.