Surfing: Riding the waves in Northland

Matty Bedford of Onerahi was second in the Steve Bowling Summer Session surf competition's Over-40s division held at Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Waves were the order of the day at Ocean Beach for the recent 2016 Steve Bowling Summer Session surf competition.

Held in clean, surfable conditions, surfers from around the region congregated at the popular Whangarei Heads surf beach to take part in Northland's pre-eminent surf competition.

Clashing with the 2016 National Surfing Championships in Dunedin, organisers said the contest retained its Northland style and grace with most of the participants originating from within the region. With 58 entries, organiser Mark Pevats said it lured "the cream of Northland's" men's talent.

Longboarder Simon Eggington goes for free surf in between heats. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Successfully defending his 2015 Open Men's title, Mimiwhangata's Paul Moretti was one of the ones to watch, and he didn't disappoint as he held off stiff competition from Paco Divers (2nd), Rian Boyd (3rd) and Fraser Seymour (4th) to retain the crown, while in the Junior Boys' division Kalani Hansen took first-place over Joseph Critchfield (2nd), Tom Norton (3rd), and Jack Bennett (4th).

In the Over-40s, Matt Evans stood atop the podium, with Matty Bedford (2nd), Clinton Ashill (3rd), and Paul Hansen (4th) rounding out the top four.

In the Women's category, visiting Hawaiian surfer Lipoa Kahaleuahi was first, followed by Heather Easterbrook (2nd), Lee Orton (3rd), and Portia Olney-Kemp (4th). The Longboard section saw Rupert Newbold claim a win, with Mark Pevats taking 2nd, and Simon Eggington and the competition's namesake Steve Bowling finishing third and fourth respectively.

Contesting the national competition in Dunedin this week, instead of surfing the Northland competition, are Max Brunker, Thomas Robinson, Billie Scott and Manu Scott-Arrieta.