A team of Bay of Plenty surfers is about to take on some of the world’s best in a competition on the Gold Coast.
The Bay Boardriders are preparing to compete at the World Club Surfing Championships at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, Australia.
They will be joining other teams from around the world including from Hawaii, the United States, the UK, Bali, Japan and Tahiti.
The event takes place at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, Australia, Friday to Sunday, January 17-19.
They will be competing against some of the world’s best, including “The GOAT (greatest of all time) Kelly Slater and fellow Americans CJ and Damien Hobgood, Australians Owen and Mikey Wright, and Hawaiians Sebastian Zietz and Ezekiel Lau to name a few,” said Bay Boarders club president James Jacobs.
Bay Boardriders club president James Jacob. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.
The Bay of Plenty team includes three open mens surfers, team captain, Alex Dive, Luke Griffin, Tai Murphy and one woman, Hinako Kurokawa.
The team will be travelling with their coach Owen Barnes, manager Bruce Tod, and club president James Jacobs.
Bay Boardriders manager Bruce Tod. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media
“Competitive surfing is typically an individual sport, but at this event you are part of a team surfing in a tag team format,” said Jacobs.
“Our team members have the mana of being able to represent our club as well as New Zealand, with the opportunity now in front of them to surf against some of the worlds best for international honours,” he said.
Jacobs said this isn’t the first time the team has competed at the world championships.
“To qualify for this event, you need to win the New Zealand National Club Championships, which Bay Boardriders have done for the last two consecutive years.
Coach Owen Barnes said the team are eager to apply the lessons learned from the previous years’ experience.
Bay Boardriders coach Owen Barnes. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.
Barnes said Snapper Rocks offers ideal conditions for the teams' skills and he is confident they’ll make it to the later stages of the event.
“The tag-team format is all about strategy, timing, and performing under pressure with limited time.
Bay Boardrider Luke Griffin. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.
“Each team consists of four surfers who have 35 minutes to compete against three other teams, with the top teams advancing to the next round.
Bay Boardrider Hinako Kurokawa. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.
“After competing in the recent Bay Boarders Battle of the Streets event, our surfers are well-prepared for the challenges that come with this unique format.
“We’re excited for what lies ahead and looking forward to showcasing our team’s potential on the world stage.”
Bay Boardrider Tai Murphy. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.
Barnes describes team member Luke Griffin as an aggressive, innovative surfer; Alex Dive as doing powerful smooth rail work and as an excellent tube rider.
He describes Tai Murphy as a young, powerful surfer with strength and style, and Hinako Kurosawa as a stylish surfer with a strong rail game.
Team captain Alex Dive said he is stoked to be part of the Bay Boardriders team to represent the region and New Zealand.
Bay Boardriders team captain Alex Dive. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.
“To be able to surf a world class wave like Snapper Rocks with the best in the world is a dream come true.
“There’s no doubt we will be underdogs in a stacked field including 11-time world champion Kelly Slater; but as Kiwis, we are happy to have that label.
“There’s nothing to lose and I’m just excited to get out there and surf.
“We have a young team of talented surfers, so it’s going to be an epic event.”
Club president James Jacobs said, “It’s definitely going to be exciting and fun to watch so make sure to tune in and catch it live online.
Tai Murphy, Bruce Tod, Alex Dive, Luke Griffin, James Jacob, Owen Barnes and Hinako Kurokawa. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.
“We would also like to acknowledge our sponsors, this would not have been possible without them – ILINE construction, Ray White Bayfair, NZ Windows, Astrolable Bar, Placemakers Mount Maunganui,” said Jacobs.
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