MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Te Arai hosts stage two of school surf champsThe event was held in 1.0-1.5m offshore surf at Te Arai Beach just south of Mangawhai, and conditions were challenging for much of the day with some solid low tide close-outs testing all of the surfers. Later in the day when semi-finals and finals ran, conditions had improved significantly with light offshores and 2-3ft waves, and the cream of Northland's surfing talent put on a real show.
Zane Hicks continued his excellent form in the Under 18 Boys Division dominating in the solid conditions early, and finalising his placing with a pleasing performance in the final round of the day. Other stand-out surfers and finalists in the division included Matt McGregor (Kamo High School) and Sergio Hansen (Kaitaia College). Hicks is heading off to Bali to join current NZ Coach Matt Scorringe of the Art of Surfing High Performance Surf Coaching camp in the next school holidays. Grace Pevats (Huanui College) made it two from two, and the young Ocean Beach surfer seems to be going from strength to strength this year with her surfing. After a busy calendar of Surfing NZ events and High Performance Coaching, Pevats showed why she has a bright future in both regional and national surfing winning the Under 14 Girls Division comfortably. Another Division which has always been hotly contested was the Under 16 Boys Division where Ahipara local Kalani Hansen also made it two-from-two in the series. Hansen's powerful approach suited the fun beach break waves on offer, and he is also another surfer who continues to grow in confidence. Hot on his heels were Whangarei surfers Zac Springford and Jamahl Moselon (both from Whangarei Boys High School) but it was Hansen who dominated the final exchange. Other excellent results in the event came from Billie Scott (WGHS) and Tom Norton (Bream Bay College) both winning their first event of the series in their respective age divisions. Scott, who was a member of the 2013 Northland Team beat good friend and rival Rhiannon Fyfe (WGHS) in the final of the Under 16 Girls. Tom Norton (Bream Bay College) who hails from Langs Beach, claimed his maiden victory, after a close battle with Mangawhai surfer Joseph Critchfield (Rodney College). Organisers wish to thank Ocean Beach Board Riders, Mangawhai Board Riders and parents who helped judge on the day. Following the completion of the 3rd NSSS Event on June 20 in the Far North, the 2014 Northland Scholastic Surfing Team will be named.
Words & Photos by Tony Baker Zane Hicks (WBHS), Grace Pevats (Huanui College) and Kalani Hansen (Kaitaia College) have all claimed second consecutive victories in the second of three 2014 Northland Scholastics Surfing Series. |