Papamoa surf boat, canoe and IRB crews racked up a creditable haul of titles and placings at the Bay of Plenty Surf Boat champs at Waihi on Saturday.
Held in light conditions and small one to two-foot waves, the under 19 men’s crew retained their title.

Papamoa U19 surf boat.

Competing in their first season, the U21 women’s crew won the women’s division, boosting their confidence for upcoming events and tougher competition.  The masters’ crew was runner up in their division.
Canoe crews had a whopper of a day. The U19 women took out their age group division then upped the ante to win the open women’s section as well. An open women’s B crew – competing for the first time this season – did well to come third. After a nervous start in the best of three races, they settled well in the next two races and were pleased with their final placing.
The U19 men couldn’t quite pull double victory – winning their age group division, but coming a close second in the open men’s section. The open men’s B crew was breathing down their necks though, taking third place to bolster Papamoa colours on the place getters’ dais.
IRB was particularly competitive – but Papamoa’s top U19 crew of Troy Walsh and Mitch Brady clinched the U19 men’s rescue and U19 men’s assembly. The pair lined up with Papamoa’s open crew team of Matt Cowley and Simon Malu to come second in the fast-paced open teams’ event.
It was first time out for Malu in IRB competition and he stepped up well. Results on the day bode well for Papamoa for the rest of the season – Northern Regional Champs this weekend at the Mount and more action to come in coming weeks.