Five Gisborne clubbies in NZ team for Surf Rescue Challenge

Australia-based Midway surf lifesaver Olivia Corrin is in the New Zealand team to compete at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in the US. Picture supplied

The New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Black Fins team have been named for the International Surf Rescue Challenge 2023 and five of them are from Gisborne clubs.

The Challenge is being held in South Padre, Texas, from September 20 to 23.

Among the 12-strong team of athletes will be Briana Irving (Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club), Chris Dawson (Midway),  Cory Taylor (Midway), Michael Hanna (Waikanae) and Olivia Corrin (Midway).

The ISRC is the biggest international ocean and beach competition in the world outside of the Life Saving World Championships, with three days of thrilling competition.

“Held every two years, the event serves as a platform to test the skills and expertise of surf lifeguards,” SLSNZ high performance sport manager Tanya Hamilton said.

“They compete in three tests over three days in events including the surf race, board race, surf ski race and beach disciplines.”

It operates on a point-scoring system, with the first athlete from each country to cross the finish line in each event earning points and adding to their team’s overall tally.

This year’s competition will feature teams from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, and the USA.

“The ISRC is the perfect opportunity for our athletes to develop and test their skills in competition outside of the world championships.

“We’re excited about the Black Fins team selected this year as there’s a good mix of experience and new talent.

“This opens up a learning experience for the new caps as well as an exciting opportunity for our seasoned campaigners to continue racing on the international stage.”

Originating in 1937 as the Trans-Tasman Challenge, a surf lifesaving competition solely between Australia and New Zealand, the ISRC has evolved over the years. In 1999, South Africa was invited to compete, giving rise to the Tri Nations Challenge, and in 2005 it expanded once again — assuming its current name.

The Junior Black Fins will not be competing at the ISRC this year.

“Instead they will race in a newly developed competition with their Australian counterparts on the Gold Coast in Australia, which will host the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships,” Hamilton said.”

“Dubbed ‘the Battle of the Tasman’, the two junior teams will be joined by New Zealand and Australian Pathways teams.”