Celebration of Māori surfing hits Far North
Surfing is the leading cause of water-related injuries, so we’re helping surfers stay safe by spreading awareness of the need to ‘Have a hmmm’. We’ll be on hand at the Aotearoa Māori Surfing Titles, one of the most special events on the surfing calendar.
Some of the best surfing talent in the country will hit the Far North over Labour Weekend when Ahipara hosts the annual Aotearoa Māori Surfing Titles.
The event will bring the biggest gathering of Māori surfers, family and friends to Te Tai Tokerau to enjoy the two-day event – whether by competing, supporting or volunteering.
Ben Kennings, Chief Executive of Surfing New Zealand, says the event has long been held in high regard and has unearthed several of the nation’s elite surfing talent.
“The Aotearoa Māori Surfing Titles are simply the waka for a celebration of Māori surfing and two great days shared amongst one another,” he says.
“The event offers a number of divisions, from juniors through to seniors, as well as longboard and stand-up paddle boarding.
“But the focus has always been as much on bringing Māori surfers together as it has about high-performance surfing and competition.”
The Aotearoa Māori Surfing Titles were first staged in Taranaki in 1993 before being held in a range of regions throughout New Zealand.
Surfers from both the North and South Islands and numerous iwi the length of the country participate and join for the ‘Clash of the Iwi’.
The event commences with a powhiri at local marae of the host location and always finishes with a poroporoaki (farewell) on the Sunday evening.
ACC on hand to deliver safety message
We’ll have a presence at the event for the first time this year.
ACC Injury Prevention Leader James Whitaker is heading to the Far North and can’t wait to witness the camaraderie and competition.
“We know this is a special week on the surfing calendar and Ahipara is a beautiful spot – it will be a great place to host these nationals,” he says.
Throughout the event, we’ll be promoting a few proven steps that help to ensure people stay injury free and can keep doing what they love.
ACC will also be providing rongōa Māori services to attendees, who will make their way to the event from all parts of the country.
Our claims data shows surfing is the leading cause of water-related injuries in New Zealand.
In 2023, we accepted 4,400 surfing-related claims, which came at a cost of $11.17 million to help people recover.
James says anyone who enters the surf needs to respect the ocean.
“The ocean is beautiful and provides a lot of joy – but it’s also bigger and more powerful than any of us and needs to be respected,” he says.
“I’ve surfed around Aotearoa for over 30 years, and I’m still humbled by some of the situations I find myself in.”
James says the best way to stay safe in the surf is to take a moment before you get stuck in.
“Monitor the conditions and the risks before you get out there, and then take the safest options. If you’re in doubt, finding something else to do might be the best option,” he says.
Assess the conditions to stay safe
Ben is hoping to see fewer surfing injuries across New Zealand this summer.
He says people have a world of information at their fingertips on their phones these days and it’s a good idea to make use of it.
“Assessing the conditions in front of you is great and understanding forecasts helps you make more informed decisions – be that the predicted wind, swell or tide times,” he says.
“While most people try to avoid crowded line-ups, it’s important to surf with others too. If you get into difficulty or get injured, another surfer can assist you to shore or call for help.
“Plus, surfing is more fun with mates.”
Tips for staying safe in the waves
- Check it before you charge it – take it easy on your first rides until you’ve worked out how shallow it is and identified any other hazards (crowd, close-out sections etc)
- Surf in conditions that match your ability – if in doubt, don’t go out
- Give others plenty of room – if they’re up and riding, leave them to it
- Always wear a leg rope
- Stay with your board – it’s an awesome flotation device
- Cover your head when you fall off – it happens to everyone, regardless of ability, so it pays to do what you can to prevent head knocks, cuts and concussion
Aotearoa Māori Surfing Titles 2024
26-27 October
Ahipara, Te Tai Tokerau (Northland)
Open Men, Open Women, U-18 Boys, U-18 Girls, U-16 Boys, U-14 Boys, Over 35s, Over 45s, Longboard, SUP
