Crisp conditions for lifeguard longboard comp

 

Clean 0.5m-1.0m waves greeted surfers for the 27th Annual Lifeguard Longboard Nationals held at Mangawhai Heads on June 22. 

The event, which fell on the solstice, hosted surfers from across the Northern region, and chilly conditions with light winds made for a perfect surfing contest on the shortest day of the year.

The event saw lifeguards past and present from clubs including Omaha, Karekare, Bethells, Red Beach, Waipu Cove, Whangarei Heads and Mangawhai Heads competing in four divisions including Junior Mens, Open, Masters and Classic.

In the morning conditions were near perfect with clean waves breaking across the high tide with light winds. As the day wore on, conditions deteriorated with the energy being sapped out of the swell with the outgoing tide. 

However, the event was a huge success and kept the tradition going. Now into its 27th year, the event is iconic and one of the longest running surfing events in the country.

Organisers say a big thanks to supporters Bammas Surf Shop, Marshwood Apiaries, Threadbox, McLeods Brewery and Mangawhai Meat Shop.

Results
Open: 1 Simon Egginton (Whangarei Heads) 2 Nat Fitt (Red Beach) 3 Tony Baker (Mangawhai Heads) 4 Jackson Wintle (Mangawhai Heads)
Junior: 1 Nat Fitt (Red Beach) 2 Billy Whelan (Mangawhai Heads) 3 Cory Vercoe (Mangawhai Heads) 4 Matt Hughes (Red Beach) 
Masters: 1 Rhys Fitt (Red Beach) 2 Clint Bishop (Karekare) 3 Paul Browne (Waipu Cove) 4 Vaughan Richards (Mangawhai Heads)
Classic: 1 Neil McInnes (Mangawhai Heads) 2 Eti Eves (Karekare) 3 Rhys Fitt (Red Beach) 4= Tony Baker (Mangawhai Heads)/Cory Vercoe (Mangawhai Heads)

Open division winner Simon Egginton from Whangarei Heads made the most of good early conditions.