Mangawhai riders feature in Northland surf team

TEAM NORTHLAND: Back left, Paul Moretti, Joe Palmer, Jason Ruddell (Coach), Flynn Hart, Rhys Whitaker, Matt McGregor, William Bowden, Ryan Renall, Fraser Seymour, Tony Baker (Manager). Front left, Robyn Turnbull, Zane Hicks, Manu Scott-Arrieta, Bodhi Van Der Ent, Mitch McRae.

Whangarei Boys High School’s Manu Scott-Arrieta claimed his maiden National Scholastic Championship in the U14 age group at the 2012 Surfing NZ event held in Taranaki earlier in the month. 

Heading into the event as the number one seed, Scott-Arrieta made easy work of his opponents in the early rounds and headed into the final on October 5 as the hot favourite. 

Taranaki's Isaac Kettle started strong in the early exchanges of the 25 minute final, but Scott-Arrieta scored 8.5 out of 10 on his opening ride, and backed it up shortly after, holding the lead when the final buzzer went. 

It was a popular victory for the young Sandy Bay surfer, his second national title this year adding to his 2012 Surfing New Zealand U14 title which he won in Piha in January. 

Scott-Arrieta's victory was one of a number of strong performances by Northland in the National event. Team Captain Paul Moretti also had a stellar event surfing his way into the finals of the U18 Boys Division. 

Moretti, who this year represented New Zealand at the 2012 ISA World Surfing Games in Panama, was a hot favourite heading into the finals. However, it was red hot Gisborne surfer Jules Craft who smashed his way to his first ever national victory and Moretti picked up 3rd place behind Josh Taylor from Mount Maunganui. 

Mangawhai Heads’ Robyn Turnbull also featured in the U18 Girls final placing 3rd behind Jayda Martin-Fitzharris (Gisborne) in 2nd and Whangamata's Ella Williams taking out first place honours. 

Other stand-out performers for the Northland team included Mitch McRae (Mangawhai/Rodney College) who placed 7th in the U18 Boys Longboard Division, as well as Flynn Hart and Zane Hicks who placed 9th in the U18 and U16 Boys divisions. 

Northland placed 5th overall in the team rankings. 

- Tony Baker