The 2025 National Surfing Championships, presented by the Toi Foundation, has entered its third day, with several divisions already reaching the final stages. Despite smaller-than-expected waves, competitors have adapted well, and the event is shaping up for an exciting finish.
After two days of surfing in 0.5-meter waves at Back Beach, south of New Plymouth, participants are looking forward to slightly larger swells forecast for mid-week. The good surface conditions and well-formed sandbanks at Back Beach have allowed for solid performances, marking a strong start to the 62nd edition of the championships.
The finals for the senior divisions—from Over 30s to Over 70s—will take place on day three, alongside finals for longboard, stand-up paddleboard, and bodyboard events, which begin Tuesday.
Several returning champions are aiming to defend their titles and secure national selection for 2025. Among them is Reuben Woods (Papamoa), who has advanced to both the Over 30s and Over 40s finals. Woods will renew his rivalry with local surfer Jared Hancox in the Over 40s division, facing competition from Thomas Kibblewhite (Orewa) and Australian-based Hayden Brain.
Lyndon Fairbairn (Dunedin), the defending champion of the Over 50 Men’s division, is also in contention to retain his title. He will be joined in the final by Justin Summerton (South Coast Boardriders), local surfer Dawson Tamati, and James Washer (Greymouth).
In the Over 60 Men’s division, Geoff Hutchison (Raglan) is a standout, but he faces stiff competition from Barry McCulloch (Tairua), Mike Yukich, and Richard Page (both from Gisborne), all of whom are hoping for an increase in swell to improve their chances.
Later on day two, the Under 14 Boys and Girls divisions battled the small waves and an increasing onshore breeze. Zara Owen (Dunedin) advanced to the final with an impressive 14.83-point heat total, following in the footsteps of her accomplished brothers Jake and Alexis. She will compete against Jade Nias Phillips from Ahipara, who won the second semifinal. The final will feature six surfers, set to take place later in the week.
The Under 14 Boys final is dominated by Mount Maunganui surfers, with three out of four finalists hailing from the region. Beau Broadhurst topped the quarterfinals with a 15.16-point heat total, while Ffeon Clifford posted 13.33 points to lead the semifinals.
This year’s National Surfing Championships have attracted over 400 participants, making it one of the largest surfing events in New Zealand. The championships are being held in Taranaki for the tenth time, with the last event in the region taking place in 2019.
A total of 29 divisions are being contested, including the premier Open Men and Women categories, which begin Thursday. Additional divisions include age groups from Under 14s to Over 70s, as well as Longboard, Stand Up Paddleboard, Bodyboard, Kneeboard, and adaptive disciplines.
The event is made possible through the generous support of the Toi Foundation and is proudly hosted by New Plymouth Surfriders. The 2025 National Surfing Championships also kick off the domestic NZ Surf Series, NZ Grom Series, and NZ Longboard Series, with additional events scheduled across the country this summer.
Related topics:
