Omanu Surf Club claimed the top title at the Bay of Plenty Junior Surf Lifesaving Champs over the weekend. Papamoa came second place and Mount Maunganui rounded off the top three.

Papamoa Juniors came second at the Bay of Plenty Junior Surf Lifesaving Champs over the weekend.

Papamoa Surf Life Saving director of junior sport Chris Hunt says Omanu stepped up to the mark and now Papamoa will have to step up another cog if they hope to regain the top spot at the Ocean Athletes event at the end of the month.
He says Papamoa juniors showed good individual form, with four members coming first in their age groups.
“Papamoa dominated the seven year age group – Scott Boyd winning the boys’ division and Isabella Ackroyd first overall in the girls’ section.”
“Papamoa’s Ruby Patel was third. Other age-group winners were Maia Bryant, in the 10-year girls division, and Maddie Gorman in the eight-year girls division.”
Conditions on the day tossed up a lot of weed and some sizeable surf, with three foot waves most common but five foot waves occasionally hitting the beach.
Chris says it was great to see nine-year olds tackling waves on boards for the first time in competition at this level.
“He’s pleased with the results, but knows that Papamoa has been given a big nudge by Omanu.”