Far North Surf Rescue began its first official surf patrol of the new summer season at Ahipara on Saturday.
The water was reportedly getting warmer but grey skies accompanied by a stiff wind from the north that was bringing in dark, rain-laden clouds weren't exactly conducive for attracting beachgoers, so it was a relatively quiet start on the western front.
The lack of distraction provided an opportunity for the district's only surf patrol to put both recently qualified and budding lifeguards through their paces with a variety of training runs, ocean swims and simulated rescue exercises, however.
FNSR spokesperson Liz Arcus said everyone was raring to go for the new season. She was also excited to hear that a number of former members were planning to return to the fold, bringing with them some highly valued skills and experience.
The beach will be patrolled every weekend, and on public holidays, up to and including Waitangi Day.
