Thomas Kibblewhite claimed his second longboarding title in as many years. Photo: Luke Larking / Surfing New Zealand
A year off from competitive surfing didn't seem to hurt Thomas Kibblewhite, as he successfully defended the men's longboard title in the New Zealand Longboard and Stand-up Paddleboard Open at Papamoa Beach on Saturday.
Kibblewhite hadn't competed since claiming the title in 2017, but got back to winning ways quickly.
The Aucklander won both his heats, before going on to take out the final in convincing fashion.
Kibblewhite scored over 14 all three times he was in the water, posting 15.33 in the final to claim his third Open title in five years.
Ohope's Dylan Barnfield finished in second place with a final score of 12.67.
Alexis Poulter of Waihi Beach claimed the women's longboard title, after a tough battle in the final. Poulter sealed the victory on her last wave, surfing to a 9.03 point total heat score.
