Surf Lifesaving Nationals Went Swimmingly for Hosts

Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving Club said their athletes had the best results in years at the 2026 AON Surf Lifesaving Championships at Ōhope Beach.

Nearly 1,500 competitors battled it out over the four day event hosted by the Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving Club. 

Club Captain Craig Julian said the event went extremely well for their competitors.

64 athletes competed, coming away with a range of results - including four golds. 

"I think the whole event just really brought the club together," Julian said. 

"One afternoon, we all won medals and everyone went back to there (the Race One Marquee) and we were celebrating and just this wonderful feeling of camaraderie and just the whole year coming together. So, it was pretty special."

The event timetable allowed athletes to compete across a range of events, which saw some athletes earn multiple medals.  

Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving Club competitors with some of their medals   IMAGE: Supplied

The event was coupled with local food and drink trucks, sunny weather and club support.

Julian said it made all the difference.

"There's a really good vibe right throughout the whole event." 

"We're a little bit of a hidden gem, old Ōhope beach over here on the East Coast, and to show that off to New Zealand and the weather that we had, we were pretty proud."

Julian said New Zealand Surf Lifesaving were impressed by the event, and the club are keen to host the event again in 2028. 

The event also drew the attention of many in the surfing community, so Julian said the committee will be "planning now for growth and developing the club."

He hopes to have a lifeguard school ready to train those interested by August. 

With the national event now over, athletes have their eyes set on other competitions. 

Whakatāne's club championships take place this weekend, followed by IRB championships at Waikanae Beach in Gisborne on March 27th and 28th which will provide a chance for the club to prove themselves, yet again.  

Winners:

Gold Open Women’s Short Course Champions

Gold U15 Men’s 2km Beach Run Champion

Gold U19 Men’s 2km Beach Run Champion

Gold U15 Men’s Surf Ski Champion

Silver Open Mixed Canoe Relay

Silver Overall Masters for Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club

Bronze Open Mixed Canoe Relay

Bronze U19 Men’s Long Course Canoe

Bronze U19 Women’s Double Ski