Mangawhai Hosts Longboarders

Clean one metre waves with light winds treated surfers from across the region at the 23rd Annual Lifeguard Longboard Nationals.

With surfers from Karekare, Bethells, Muriwai, Red Beach, Orewa and Mangawhai Heads competing in five divisions, it was another excellent event this year.

Local lifeguard Neil McInnes took out top honours in both the Open and Classic or ‘Old Mal’ division with stylish footwork and smooth gliding turns.

Fellow local Robyn Turnbull showed true prowess and was a standout in the Womens.

Dave Sneyd, who seemed to be everywhere all day, surfed in the Open, Classic, and Masters, and came close in the Open.

Sneyd took out top honours in the Masters division.

The Juniors saw a couple of new faces in Jake Morgan-Kemp and brother-sister combo Travis and Courtney Salahub. The groms were ripping, and it was Jake MK who cleaned up.

The event is open to all current and past lifeguards from across the country.

Long-time event organiser Tony Baker would like to thank helpers and sponsors Fletcher Construction, Bammas Surf and Leisure, Rush Coffee, Mangawhai Pharmacy, Skunkworks Mangawhai and Threadbox.
 

Results Open Mens 1 Neil McInnes, 2 Tony Baker, 3 Matt Scott, 4 Jake Morgan-Kemp. Womens 1 Robyn Turnbull (Mang Heads), 2 Courtney Salahub (Orewa), 3 Patria Harris (Mang Heads), 4 Brenna Bishop (Bethells Beach). Masters 1 Dave Sneyd (Mang Heads), 2 Ian Parker (Orewa), 3 Scott Skirrow (Muriwai), 4 John Skirrow (Muriwai), 5 Mike Ferguson (Mang Heads). Juniors 1 Jake Morgan-Kemp (Red Beach), 2 Travis Salahub (Orewa), 3 Brenna Bishop ( Bethells), 4 Quinn Bedford (Mang Heads), 5 Courney Salahub (Orewa). Classic "Old Mal" 1 Neil Mcinnes (Mangi Heads), 2 Dave Sneyd (Mang Heads), 3 Eti Eves (Karekare), 4 Matt Scott (Mang Heads), 5 John Skirrow (Muriwai), 6 Joe Moohan (Karekare).