KEY POINTS:
A Red Beach scratch crew sprang a surprise on most of the country's top crews to win the Whangamata surf boat spectacular yesterday.
Although all four oarsmen are no strangers to rowing, this was the first surf lifesaving carnival for two of them and a return for the other two.
The final looked to be a done deal for national and transtasman champions Titahi Bay who jumped out to a two-boat length lead at the buoy line.
Sweep, Paul McVicor seemed to have Red Beach on their right and Mt Maunganui on their left well covered. But the fluky and uneven small surf conspired to give both teams a chance.
The three crews were level in the last 50m with the title being decided by a 50m sprint to the finish flags.
"We were really surprised to win the final, especially with two rowers who have never rowed a surf boat," said Red Beach sweep, Craig Dillon. "They only qualified as surf lifesavers three weeks ago."
Dillon was referring to David Schaumarker and Richard Beaumont, who came from flat-water experience. The crew's second stroke, Rodney Stevens has some surf experience, but also has a flat-water background.
"Steve Westlake filled in to make up a crew for this second of four rounds of the Trillian Trust New Zealand surf boat series," he said.
Titahi Bay redeemed some pride to win the open women's A final.
