Article added: Monday 09 September 2024

By Jordan Sing

Surfers from across the North Island are set to take over Tay St Beach this week.

The Zespri AIMS Games’ newest competition boasts 61 surfers from 30 schools as far as Ahipara (90 Mile Beach) to Ōpunake, just south of Taranaki. 

“There will be a top tier of competitive young surfers that are doing really well on the national circuit,” event organiser Andrew Friedrickson said. 

Athletes will compete in 15 minute heats, where four pupils will be marked out of 10, per wave attempted. A judging panel will give an average score based on factors including speed, power, flow and difficulty.

“They can catch as many waves as they want in that 15 minutes, and their two best ones will count,” Friedrickson said.

Friedrickson has been working with local surf club Bay Boardriders, as well as staff and students from Mount Maunganui College, to organise the event.

Despite great surf in recent weeks, Tauranga is seeing mere “remnants of a swell” and Friedrickson expects small waves for the competition. 

“These kids are pretty little and light, so they don’t need too much. Waves are going to be small, no doubt about that. We’re just hoping there’s enough for them to be able to compete.” 

Wednesday and Thursday are set as contingency days if conditions are not up to standard.

Surfing’s debut is coupled with the first AIMS Games appearance from orienteering, with competition set for tomorrow (sprint at Historic Village) and Wednesday (Rogaine at McLaren Falls).