Riding the waves: National Surfing Championships bring together different sorts with a common love
Dylan Barnfield (left) and Jordan Griffin wish each other the best before the open men's longboard final. Photo / PhotoCPL
Different eras. Different backgrounds. Different journeys.
But the hundreds of surfers competing in 28 divisions at the National Championships in Gisborne this week have one thing in common – a love, perhaps even addiction, for riding the waves.
Or as it is more commonly known these days – “sharing the stoke”.
Makorori Beach is the base for the week-long championships covering the full spectrum of the sport. From bodyboarding to stand-up paddleboarding; from short boards to longboards.
From under-14 “grommets” to over-70 “fossils”, they have all been out there chasing national glory and, importantly for many, enjoying the ride along the way.
Surfing knows no age barrier.
There are legends such as 79-year-old Benny Hutchings, who won the 1975 open men’s crown and competed at the World Championships before going on to coach New Zealand and Australian kayaking teams at eight consecutive Olympic Games.
There’s Gisborne’s own Maz Quinn, a four-time open champion who won the over-40s men’s final in a gripping duel with little brother Jay on Tuesday.
There’s Steve “Teddy” Colbert – the 1984 U18 champion who on exiting the water after winning the O50s title shouted: “42 years between drinks.”
There’s rising stars Izaro Williamson Sasia and Jaxon Willows, who ushered in a new era in winning the U18 and open men’s and women’s longboarding titles respectively.
And there’s Olympian and the most successful open men’s title winner Billy Stairmand, who is looking for his ninth crown in 16 years.
Family is a powerful theme. Not just blood. But “brothers” and “sisters” through a shared passion.
It’s a hobby, a pastime, a sport and for some, an obsession.
For this week, it’s a competition, but when the battleground smoke clears on Saturday, most will go back to simply getting out in the ocean, being at one with Mother Nature and enjoying the ride.
