Surf lifesaving: Sun abandons bone-chilling surf festival

Competitors set off in the final of the board race for 12-year-olds at the junior surf lifesaving district champs at Orewa yesterday. Picture / Kenny Rodger

Hundreds of young lifesavers who descended on Orewa Beach for an event billed as the biggest surf competition of the summer were chilled by teeth-chattering damp onshore winds yesterday.

About 450 children from 15 surf rescue clubs around the northern region were competing in the Xbox-sponsored junior surf district championships.

After the morning's sports activities mostly held in the water, it started raining.

"It felt cold and everybody was shivering," said Stephanie Blackwell, 7, who was wrapped up against the cold with twin sister Rebecca after a stint in the choppy surf.

"There are worse things to do on a summer's day," said their mother, Caroline Blackwell. "It gets them all out on the beach in the fresh air."

Miriam Ellis, surf sports development officer for Surf Life Saving Northern Region, said that apart from the weather, which probably resulted in a smaller turnout, the day passed according to plan.

The presence of six inflatable rescue boats ensured the safety of competitors. The youngest - the 7-year-olds, who comprise the biggest age-group - are not allowed out beyond knee-deep water.

"It's good to see so many young ones wanting to give it a go," Miriam Ellis said. Summer Notredame, 10, of the Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club, sought out dry land and a sleeping bag to warm up after trailing the field in her swimming race.

"This is my first time," said the new arrival from Belgium.

Her mother, Sandi Notredame, a former Mairangi Bay club member, said: "I was really proud of her. We don't have waves in Belgium."