This is the official Longboard highlights reel from the 2012 Hyundai National Surfing Championships, that were staged at Piha beach in New Zealand.
Featuring Open Mens, Open Women's and Stand Up Paddle Surfing from the past week.
MUSIC: Counting Sparrows - Civilian Sol - soundcloud.com/pukeko
www.Hyundai.co.nz
Thomas Kibblewhite (Rodney) was one of four surfers to defend their title at the event, Kibblewhite taking back-to-back wins in the Men's Longboard Division. Kibblewhite outclassed his opponents with the third highest heat score of the entire day -- 16.73 points out of 20. A near perfect 9.07 point ride after he already held a strong lead, put the result beyond doubt and left all his competitions requiring a combination of waves to catch up. It was the veteran Michael Fitzharris (Gis) who feared the best to place second in a division he has previously won six times. 2009 champion Daniel Procter (Gis) placed third in the final with Ben Poulter in fourth.
Anna Jolly (Piha) secured one of four titles for the local Piha surfers in the Women's Longboard Division scoring 12.17 points. Alexis Poulter (Rag) fought hard to catch up but finished in second place ahead of Mischa Davis (Piha) in third and Belinda Goodwin (Rag) in fourth.
Shayne Baxter (Chch) took the sole South Island title holding off Daniel Kereopa (Rag) to win the Stand Up Paddleboard Division. Baxter won the first ever national title in the division when it was contested at Piha in 2009. Kereopa was the defending champion. Kereopa had a final dig at the title today but needing a 6.88 point ride on his last wave, came to the shore to the sound of a 6.50 point ride being called out and finishing in second place. Whangamata surfers Lynden Kennings and Karl Aarsen rounded out the final in third and fourth place respectively.
Men's Longboard
Thomas Kibblewhite (Auck), 16.73, 1, Michael Fitzharris (Gis), 12.57, 2, Daniel Proctor (Gis), 10.3, 3, Ben Poulter, 10.27, 4
Longboard Women's
Anna Jolly (Piha), 12.17, 1, Alexis Poulter (Rag), 10.47, 2, Mischa Davis (Oratia), 10.4, 3, Belinda Goodwin (Mnt), 3.63, 4
Stand Up Paddleboards
Shayne Baxter (ChCh), 14, 1, Daniel Kereopa (Rag), 13.63, 2, Lynden Kennings (Whgmata), 9.1, 3, Karlos Aarsen (Whmata), 7.6, 4
Hyundai Tour Event 1, 7-8 January, Raglan (4-star)
Hyundai Tour Event 2, 15-21 January, Piha (5-star) -- National Championships
Hyundai Tour Event 3, 3-6 February, Sandy Bay (SNZ 6-star / ASP LQS 1-star)
Hyundai Tour Event 4, 18-19 February, Mount Maunganui (4-star)
Hyundai Tour Event 5, 2-3 March, Port Waikato (6-star)
The Hyundai National Championships were first held in 1963 when they took place at Mount Maunganui. In its infancy, the event comprised Open Men's and Women's as well as Under 18 Men's divisions only. Since then it has grown to comprise a colossal 25 divisions across all disciplines and the 2012 edition will crown New Zealand's 500th national champion.
Further Information
For further information on the 2011 Hyundai National Championships please contact Surfing New Zealand's Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz. Alternatively contact Hyundai New Zealand representative Emma Ryan on 0274785217 or email eryan@hyundai.co.nz.
