Surfing: Robinson on form in Primary School champs

Whangarei's Tom Robinson shredded his way to defending his title in the Year 7 and 8 Boys Division of the Primary School Surfing Championships. Photo/Col/Surf2Surf.com

Two Northlanders were in the thick of the action at the Sticky Johnson Primary School Champs on Gisborne's Makorori Beach.

Whangarei's talented Tom Robinson defended his title amongst a raft of young surfers all capable of surfing to victory, many who have been competing for the past three years.

Gisborne produced some clean 0.5m - 1m wave and good conditions throughout the weekend with the finals day slowly fading away at Northern Makorori. The fading swell required the event to switch to a new location further south, midway through the day.

Tom Robinson had a tough weekend of competition in the Year 7 and 8 Boys Division and at one stage was concerned he could miss a top-eight spot altogether after the round robin.

Robinson was pitted against local up and coming charger Finn Vette who pushed him right through until the final where he placed runner-up.

However, it was Robinson who eventually got the upper hand - winning the final and claiming three out of their five encounters over the weekend.

The new Year 6 and Below Boys Division saw two Christchurch surfers up against Ben Kassel (Gisborne) and Isaiah Backhouse (Whangarei).

The Christchurch surfers got the best of the match-up today, spurred on by a strong team of supporters from their club.

The youngest of Heasley brothers, Campbell, got the nod for the win today ahead of his mate Jack McKenzie who finished in second. Isaiah Backhouse placed third in the final with Ben Kassel finishing fourth.