The country's top inflatable rescue boat (IRB) crews have competed in the Far North's challenging 90-mile IRB Beach Classic event.
The 28-year-old event started at Scott Point at the northern end of the beach and finished 92.6 kilometres later at Ahipara, with four checkpoints along the route.
This year, 40 three-person crews took part, including a team from Australia.
Surf Life Saving Northern Club Development Officer Talia Comp says it is one of the most popular events on the Surf Life Saving calendar.
“It’s a great mix of endurance and skill, as the race requires physical prowess, teamwork and a deep understanding of the coastal elements,” she says.
“And they must do all of this while remaining calm under pressure.”
The race had four checkpoints, with the first stop at Matapia Island. Crews then headed to the sand bluff, where they carried their IRB 400 metres before re-entering the water. At the third checkpoint, crews must run up Hukatere Hill before heading to the final stop – Waipapakauri. Crews then removed the motor from their IRB before carrying it around a marked course and back to the boat.
Vicki Rehu, Far North Surf Rescue President and event organiser, says, “The best time has been two hours and 15 minutes, so it’s a long haul, that’s for sure. Many of the crews are shattered by the end of it – their bodies are sore with blisters on their feet.”
But she emphasised that the club shows the crews good Far North hospitality.
“It’s a lot of work for our small club, and it’s the only big Surf Life Saving event we put on up here in the Far North, but everybody just loves it. Everyone has a great time, and there’s good company and, of course, a great feed at the end of it.”
Far North Surf Rescue collaborated with local iwi to ensure the event ran seamlessly, enforced by stringent regulations, including each IRB crew having a support boat in tow throughout the race.
On Friday, 8 September, the crews gathered at Ahipara for a briefing and a karakia. The race began at 11am on Saturday, 9 September.
Comp says, “All the crews were looking forward to hitting the water and giving it their all. Besides the competitive aspect, the event is also a fantastic way for everyone to catch up before the patrol season starts in October.
“As always, it will be a busy season for our surf lifeguards, who will give up their time to ensure everyone who spends a day at the beach returns home safe and sound.”
Photography: Surf Life Saving NZ