Surf lifesaving: Hutchings back for nationals

The surf ski race at the national surf life saving championships will be the one to watch with former world champion Cory Hutchings and multi-talented Olympian, Steven Ferguson among the entries.

The championships begin on Friday at Oakura Beach, near New Plymouth with life savers from 40 clubs competing in 188 events over three days.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand sport manager Mark Weatherall said Hutchings, a former world surf ironman champion, will not be racing the ironman event.

Hutchings was spending a lot of time training in his kayak at the moment in a bid to make the Beijing Olympics.

"He will be focusing more on the surf ski and team events at the nationals," Weatherall said.

Ferguson, competing for his Whangamata club, heads into the nationals after recently competing in the world life saving championships and the national kayak championships.

"The open men's surf ski race is sure to be one of the most exciting finals to watch with Steven, Cory, defending champion Cameron Pocock, and a raft of other extremely talented paddlers vying for the title," Weatherall said.

Mount Maunganui, meanwhile, are shaping up to give reigning overall club champions, Midway, of Gisborne, a stiff fight for the Alan Gardner Trophy.

However, Midway boasts three members of the Kawana Waters Club team who recently won the world championship club title at rescue - Glenn and Rachael Anderson and Matt Sutton.

Hutchings will also compete for Midway in some of the open men's team events.

- NZPA