One of the biggest surf boat weekends seen in New Zealand took place at Waihī Beach on Waitangi weekend.

Hosted by Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Inc from February 6-8, the Surf Boat Spectacular attracted near record entries and brought a three-day showcase of power, precision and surf lifesaving tradition to the Western Bay of Plenty.

The event combined the Eastern Region Surf Boat Championships, the North Island Surf Boat Champs, and a Champion of Champions showdown to finish on Sunday.

Event manager Natalie Lloyd said crews travelled from across the country to test themselves at the 26th North Island Surf Boat Championships.

“We had 48 crews entered. It was a fantastic weekend with nothing but praise and appreciation from all the visiting clubs and crews for everything that was delivered,” Lloyd said.

Hosting three competitions on the long weekend made for a festival-like atmosphere after a mihi whakatau opened the event.Photo / Alex Wilkins

The racing brought 310 competitors from all over New Zealand – including New Brighton in Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Ōmanu, Whangamatā, Piha, Red Beach, Ōrewa and Sunset Beach.

Surf boat rowing has deep roots in surf lifesaving history, Lloyd said.

“Long before modern rescue craft, large timber surf boats were among the earliest rescue vessels, launched through breaking waves to reach swimmers in distress.

He said people hauled from the water would be brought onto the boat, laid on the hard wooden floor of the hull and then rowed back to shore – “a stark reminder of why strength, skill and teamwork have always been at the heart of surf boat rowing”.

As a result, Lloyd said the weekend’s spectators got to watch some of the strongest and fittest surf lifeguards you’ll see anywhere.

“For spectators, surf boat racing delivers fast, physical and highly watchable action, with boats launching directly from the sand, punching through the surf, rounding the cans offshore and racing home toward the beach,” she said.

Nick Wagstaff pictured as the Waihī Beach sweep in action. Photo / Alex Wilkins

“Rowing a surf boat through breaking waves takes explosive strength, timing and absolute faith in your crew.”

Across the weekend, crews battled for Eastern Region titles, North Island Championship honours and on Sunday, the coveted Champion of Champions title finals that brought the Surf Boat Spectacular to a thrilling close.

On February 6, the ERC Surf Boats divisions contested. “Sadly, due to the tragedies at the Mount, this became the only part of the annual ERCs to be completed this season,” Lloyd said.

“By bringing ERC Surf Boats into the Surf Boat Spectacular, we had significantly higher entries for ERC Surf Boats this year so it was great to see more competition for the local clubs. Having all three events over one long weekend also meant one lot of travel, accommodation and leave, so clubs felt more able to attend.”

It also made for a festival-like atmosphere with a DJ/commentator and music on the beach throughout the weekend, Lloyd said.

“Local hāpū Te Whānau a Tauwhao representatives Reon Tuanau and Garston Smith from Ōtāwhiwhi Marae provided a mihi whakatau [welcome] that was equal parts moving, entertaining, inspiring and educational, welcoming our visitors and acknowledging the incredible mahi [work] our surf lifeguards do in keeping communities and the beaches safe.”

Local hāpū Te Whānau a Tauwhao representatives Reon Tuanau from Otawhiwhi Marae provided a mihi whakatau. Photo / Alex Wilkins

The ERC Surf Boats’ short and long course had divisions for Open Male and Female, Under-23 Male and Female, Under-19 Male and Female, Masters Male and Female. The long course also had a relay division.

Overall, the Eastern Region Surf Boat Championship title was won by Red Beach (Auckland), New Brighton (Christchurch) came second, and third was Titahi Bay (Wellington). Highest points in Eastern Region went to Omanu, and Waihī Beach.

On February 7, the North Island Surf Boat Championships hosted divisions for Open Male and Female, Under-23 Male and Female, Under-19 Male and Female, Masters Male and Female and a relay.

The 2026 North Island Surf Boats title went to Red Beach (Auckland), although event hosts Waihi Beach finished one point behind the Under-23 Male division winners, Titahi Bay, Lloyd said.

Titahi Bay are also the New Zealand representatives heading to Australia for the transtasman clash this weekend and have been the national representatives for four years “so Waihī Beach definitely chased hard and gave them a run for their money!”, she said.

On February 8, the Champion of Champions event was held and was, as always, an exciting finale, Lloyd said, with all the teams fighting it out against each other for overall top honours.

“This year it was won by Paekākāriki. The top female crew was the Piha Piranhas.”