23 Feb 2010 6:58 a.m.
Two metre swells have failed to stop an Eastern Bay surf boat crew, from securing victory at Piha.
Whakatane's women's crew has emerged as one of just a few to get through to the finals, relatively unscathed.
The team finished just behind Australian crew Jan Juc, to claim the title from Mount Mauganiui, by two points.
Whangamata finished third in the final.
Whakatane is preparing to wrap up the season on a high in March, when it hosts the national surf lifesaving championships.