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Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club’s Kalani and Kaiha Gilbertson were both in top form when they powered home to win their respective surf ski finals at the Eastern Region Championships held over Auckland Anniversary Weekend.
Because of turbulent surf conditions and strong onshore winds at Mt Maunganui’s Main Beach, the bulk of the events of the three-day carnival took place on the more placid waters of Pilot Bay. More than 700 surf lifesavers from 35 clubs throughout New Zealand competed.
Kalani Gilbertson (19) took out the Open Ski Race final ahead of a class field of paddlers, having led from start to finish.
Earlier, his younger brother Kaiha was first home in the U17 Ski Race final. Both called on their kayaking skills to claim their gold medals – as there was no wave assistance at Pilot Bay, the competitors had to call on their strength and fitness to achieve titles.
Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club’s James Scott took out the Open Men’s Board Race, and placed third in the Open Men’s Ski Race final.
Because of the gnarly 1.5m surf, racing for surf boats and surf canoes took place on the harbour. Crews raced over both short and long courses.
Host club Mt Maunganui retained the overall points trophy after notching up 169 points. East End (95 points) finished second while Red Beach (57 points) took out the third spot. Ōrewa finished sixth.
