Check out the gallery [here]
Wellington Christian Surfers
Surf Competition Wairarapa Saturday 6TH May 2006
Christian Surfers is a national organisation whose foremost goal is to serve the local surf community.
By modeling a positive lifestyle, building relationships, organising events and studying the Bible we strive to achieve this goal and spread the gospel message.
Wellington Christian Surfers hosted a surf competition over the weekend with all profits going to Surf Aid International (www.surfaidinternational.org). Alarms were set for 5am and all who made it out of bed were met by cold southerly winds and heavy rain. Competitors arrived at Petone Bowl car park at 6am to find out the competition location.
Based on the conditions Castle Point was chosen; many of the competitors went back to sleep
(it's a 21\2hr drive), rocking back and forth over the windy Rimutakas. Castle Point has three main spots to choose from and the waves were best at 'The Gap' (literally a gap in a cliff formation that lets the sea enter a small bay or lagoon).
The sand was soft and many cars got stuck while traversing the beach to the competition site. The incoming tide was a worry as people waited in line for the 4wd to rescue their vehicles from the sand! The weather was terrible with heavy rain and bitterly cold winds, making the first parts of the day a challenge… "but the competition must go on"
The tent was pitched, the sound system hooked up, judges were organised and registrations taken down. The conditions brought out the best in people; all hands were on deck, holding down the tent, chasing plastic chairs in the wind and of course digging and towing numerous cars out of the sand. Nearly 50 surfers from greater Wellington, Taranaki and Raglan braved the conditions and 1-2m waves with cross shore winds.
"Rob - the Soup Guy" warmed a few tummies with a cauldron of hot vegetable soup, a BBQ kept sausages sizzling for most of the day and home-made baking was brought out in the afternoon and as usual hot drinks were served; all made available by various kind contributors.
Mid morning a text message was received from Wellington saying that the weather was fine in the Capital. Eventually bitterness was replaced by the realization that southerly winds would probably bring the nice weather. Indeed it was so and just after midday the clouds had cleared, the sun had come out and spirits were lifted even higher.
The event was timed perfectly with enough daylight for the finals and prize giving to be held as the sun set behind the dunes. There were heaps of great prizes to give away and all the grommets were stoked. There was a brief moment to share about Christian Surfers and what we believe, before closing with a prayer and getting on the road.
Full credit to all the surfers who entered and for putting on an exciting show, especially given the challenging conditions. The standard of surfing was high and made for a tight race to finals.
Wellington Crew
This year's results are as follows:
CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION
FIRST - Tyler Anderson
SECOND - Craig Snook
THIRD - Michael Mallalien
WOMENS DIVISION
FIRST - Loz the Pom
SECOND - Sheree Bridge
THIRD - Ruth Wigs
PLATE DIVISION
FIRST - Dan Farrel
SECOND - Dan Quill
THIRD - Adam Schroyen
HIGHEST PLACED JUNIOR - Tyler Anderson
Despite the weather it was a successful day. Everyone worked together to keep warm, pull cars from the sand and generally make it all come together. The day was a true witness to our values and beliefs; by serving the community, bringing people together and focusing on God we can build relationships and bring about positive change.
Big ups to everyone who showed up, the sponsors and everyone who helped make the event such a success.
A big thanks to:
Real Surf (Lyall Bay)
Lush
DC shoes
The CD and DVD Store
DVS
Manna Christian Books and Music
Video Ezy
