Surfing: Logger Heads bathe in sun

Surfers line up at Mangawhai Heads during the fourth Logger Heads competition. Photo/Photo CPL

Mangawhai Heads surfer Bassie Waldron took out the Junior Logger division at the fourth Logger Heads.

Surfing in his home oceans, Waldron was the local highlight in a successful event.

Contest organiser Tony Baker said the weather was brilliant and kept the large numbers happy.

"A magic summer's day greeted surfers at Mangawhai Heads for the event. We had small 0.5-1.0m waves on offer all day and the sun and relaxed vibes kept everyone happy," he said.

"Earlier rounds were run on the Mangawhai Bar and, as the tide filled in, competition resumed on the main surf beach at Mangawhai Heads."

With a focus on traditional-style surfing, the Logger Heads attracted its largest field yet with more than 50 surfers converging on Mangawhai from all over the country, including sliders from Sydney, Mount Maunganui, Ahipara, Raglan, Whangamata, and Auckland along with a strong contingent of local surfers.

In the Junior Division local surfer Taj Robinson (Mangawhai Heads) showed great style, along with Joey Cox (Auckland).

But it was a day of battles between Matt Newdick (Auckland) and Waldron, with both fighting it out for top honours.

In the final, both surfers locked in excellent waves, but Waldron's local knowledge showed as he picked off the best waves and claimed his second Junior Division win at the Logger Heads.

With the largest field yet in the Open Logger (36 surfers), the early rounds were run on the Mangawhai Bar. Early standouts included Rhys Whittaker (Waipu) , Ryan Glover (Mount Maunganui), Matt King (Whangamata), Matt Ferg (Auckland) and local Glen Johnson (Mangawhai Heads).

In the Open Logger final it was an epic showdown of traditional longboarding with 2016 winner Trent Lillis (Auckland) going toe-to-toe with Sydney surfer Kai Ellis-Flint (Australia).

Baker said the final was a classic.

"Both surfers managed to find perfect little runners, but it was Ellis-Flint who claimed the final with a fin-first reverse take-off, added to some exceptional Nose Rides earlier in the heat."

The Old Mal Division saw a field of 12 surfers riding pre-1970 longboards, with Auckland's Trent Lillis completing a three-peat of the division with a win over Mount Maunganui's Jordan Griffin.

The high tide banks at Mangawhai Heads suited the heavy, old boards and Lillis put on a display of precision and style.

The women's division was taken out by the stylish Nicky Wellington (Auckland), who stole the show with her traditional cross-stepping, and prowess on the Nose.

Baker said it was pleasing to see local surfers competing.

"In the women's division it was excellent to see some of the young up-and-comers getting into it with local lady slider Jess Costello putting on an excellent performance," he said.

"We also want to pass on our thanks to all of the sponsors involved in the event."