Locals feature in longboard nationals

With over 50 entries received from nine clubs from across the country, the 2013 Lifeguard Longboard Nationals went down in style. 

Surfers from Muriwai, Omaha, Whangamata, Bethells Beach, Karekare, Mairangi Bay, Wainui and California were treated to some great waves all day.

With a strong focus on traditional longboarding, including nose rides and fancy footwork, the draw took over nine hours to complete.

Paul Steinberg of Santa Cruz, California, stole the show in both the open men's and classic divisions with some super stylish traditional surfing. 

Steinberg, who came to New Zealand as part of the California Lifeguard Exchange, rode an old Peter Way Longboard (circa 1960) in both divisions and linked a number of long, critical nose rides with switch foot and soul arch turns. The young Californian wowed the judges from the start of the day, and showed he loved surfing at Mangawhai Heads. 

Other standout surfers in the open class included local Neil McInnes with his polished forehand, and Whangamata styler Andrew Earl-Peacock.

Mangawhai Heads lifeguard Jess Costello backed up her 2012 victory by taking out the womens division, showing her excellent local knowledge in the final picking off the biggest waves, surfing one long right hander all the way to the beach. 

Double finalist Brenna Bishop also put on a good show placing third behind local surfer girl Alana Thrasyvoulou. 

It was a similar affair in the juniors with Te Arai surfer Mitch McRae also picking up his second consecutive junior title. 

Aucklander Dave Sneyd claimed a popular maiden victory in the masters division.

The Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service would like to thank Fletcher Building, Bammas Surf and Leisure, The Mangawhai Meat Shop, Jaraho Veges, Meizu Electronics, Axe Wax and all of the other local businesses and organisations who supported the event.