For the first time in the history of the World Surf League Championship Tour, New Zealand will be represented on both the men's and women's sides of the draw this year.
With Paige Hareb and Ricardo Christie flying the flag on the top stage in the sport, 2019 will be an historic year for surfing in New Zealand.
The two return to familiar territory among the world's elite. Hareb debuted on the Championship Tour a decade ago as an 18-year-old and heads into her eighth campaign at the top level. Christie heads into his second year on tour after re-qualifying at the end of 2018. Christie made his debut at the top in 2015, but was unable to maintain his spot for the following season.
The 30-year-old Christie returns to the tour with a new outlook from that of his last stint. In a noticeable change to his game plan, Christie's patience in heats has paid off in a big way.
Speaking to the Herald late last year, he said it all came down to a change in his outlook while competing.
