Surfing: Northlander Paul Moretti finishes fourth at nationals

Paul Moretti in action at the Health 2000 National Surfing Championships. Photo / NZ Surfing Magazine

Paul Moretti's strong run at the Health 2000 National Surfing Championships ended in the finals where he finished fourth overall in the open men's division.

The Mimiwhangata surfer was somewhat of a surprise finalist after a classy week of surfing where reigning champion Billy Stairmand, 2017 runnerup Taylor Hutchison and Kiwi legend Maz Quinn were all eliminated in the quarter-finals.

The Northlander put in a brave effort in the final where he took on Richard Christie (Mahia), Elliot Paerata-Reid (Piha) and Levi Stewart (Waihi Beach).

Moretti ended with a score of 12.37 and was edged by Stewart for the final podium position.

After clinching a place in the final after a strong performance in the semifinals, Moretti said it was about keeping as laidback as possible in the buildup despite an inkling of excitement.

"It's been a while since I have competed in this event so we will see what tomorrow brings, but yeah, I am amped on making the final," he said.

"I have enjoyed myself all week and Gisborne has turned it on."

However, it was Christie who put in a stellar effort to comfortably take out his second national title, 13 years after his first one.

His second ride, a near-perfect 9.93 which comprised three backhand turns on a left-hander, was enough to fend off Paerata-Reid.

Christie said he was stoked to have come out on top.

"It's been a long time between drinks. I have done a few things between then and now but I am happy to get my name on the trophy again," he said.

"I have a way to go to catch up to my mate Billy [Stairmand] but I am just stoked to come out on top this week."

Moretti wasn't the only Northlander to perform well with Whangarei's Derek Brunker picking up the over-55 division win.

Brunker had not initially considered entering but proved he was more than capable of competing, his score of 13.4 good enough to beat Phillip Griffin (12.9) for the title.

In the over-60 men's final, Whangarei's Rupert Newbold finished third in a low-scoring affair which was won by Gisborne's John Gisby.