Day Five of the 2024 New Zealand Surfing Champs sees a shakedown of the premier divisions as the circus moves back to the St Clair Esplanade.
Day Five saw the contest move back to the comfort of St Clair with light winds and a new north east swell promising some fun conditions. It was a shakedown of the premier divisions with Billy Stairmand nearly getting knocked by local grom Lewis Murphy. A wave in the final 20 seconds saved the Olympian and 8-time national title holder. Similarly, Olympic hope Saffi Vette was bettered by Sophia Brock in her Open Women’s round that featured an unsympathetic ocean.
Many big names got knocked in the smaller surf conditions.
Despite his clean flowing style North Narrabeen’s Macka Hazard failed to impress the judges and bowed out early. He was joined by Waikuku surfer Rakiatea Tau, and Lincoln Penei (who tied with second, but lost on highest single wave), Will Lockhart, Kalani Louis, Taj Millar Dal Bosco, Christian Fougere and Soren Bucka-Christensen.
A late southerly change ripped through the contest arena and saw temperatures plummet from balmy to brisk in minutes.
Here are 40 Frames from the day of shakedown waves.