Fierce competition at New Zealand Bomb Comp in Rotorua

There were cheers and claps as people showed off their best bombs and splashes at the New Zealand Bomb Comp.

It was packed at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) today as people either settled on the grass or hit the water to watch people compete with their best bombs in the finals.

NZ Bomb Competition at Tikitapu. Photo/Ben Fraser

The event was held on Saturday and Sunday, with multiple bomb platforms up to 10m high.

The competition divisions included senior (45-plus), open male, open female, youth male (13 to 16 years), youth female (13 to 16 years), child (12 years and under) and ball pop open.

NZ Bomb Comp competitors jump from big heights. Photo/Ben Fraser

Hamilton's Keyan Tahu, 14, said he had gone to the event planning on entering, and was happy when he found out he made the youth finals.

He had wanted to show off his bombs and his technique was to drop and then duck in at the last minute.

Keyan thought the competition was a cool event and said he would like to do it again.

Hamilton's Adam McFall said he travelled over for the event.

"I've always liked doing bombs and I think the idea is great. It's a great event."

Kahukura Waipoua-Bryers, 14, flips off the platform for his bomb. Photo/Ben Fraser

He came with a friend and thought the event was professionally run.

"I think they've done a really great job and it's great for families."

McFall said he enjoyed doing bombs because it was a bit of a thrill.

"When you are on the edge of the platform it gets scary. It's just a thrill."

It is packed at Lake Tikitapu as people enjoy the NZ Bomb Comp. Photo/Ben Fraser

He said his strategy was to lean back just as he hit the water to get more of a splash.

Murupara's Eddie de Thierry said bombing at the lake was part of the New Zealand culture.

"Everyone likes jumping into the water and having fun."

New Zealand Bomb Comp staff member Renee Bayly said the event had been amazing.

She said the weather had been perfect, the turnout amazing and the competition fierce.

Each division would have a winner and there was about $20,000 worth of prizes across all the categories, she said.

The event had been packed, the location awesome and the crowds well-behaved, she said.

The action at the lake continues tomorrow with the Flochella Music Festival.

Flochella Details:
- Where: Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
- When: Monday, February 5, 11am to 6pm
- Tickets: General admission left, $45, www.grabone.co.nz

The winners:
Open female: Monique Chaplin
Open male: Kopu Taunoa
Child: Koro Cowan
Youth female: Stefani Gardiner
Youth male: Kahukura Waipoua
Ball pop: Delton Waara
Senior: Dan Tahere