International longboarders take on New Zealand’s best
Bonga Perkins : file photo ASPWorldtour
Three of the world’s top 10 longboarders will be in Wellington this weekend competing in the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour at Lyall Bay. It will be the first time Wellington city has hosted a major surfing competition.
Harley Ingelby : photo SurfingAustralia.com
Bonga Perkins (Hawaii), Jackson Close (Australia) and Harley Ingleby (Australia) will all travel down under to compete. Also coming down from Hawaii will be New Zealand’s own Campbell Farrell, of big wave fame.
Jackson Close : photo courtesy Surfing Queensland
The Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour is New Zealand’s premier longboard series with surfers from every corner of the country making the pilgrimage to enter these events in search of the championship title.
“This is the third year that Hyundai have sponsored the series but the first time an event has come to Wellington.” Says David Foot, Dealer Principal, for the soon to be open Hyundai Wellington dealership, Brendan Foot Hyundai.
“It’s particularly exciting to have some of the world champs here competing against our best longboard surfers.”
Alongside the champs will be our very own waterman, Campbell Farrell – the first kiwi to surf ‘jaws’, an infamous 60-80ft break in Maui, Hawaii.
Campbell along with Hawaiian longboarder Bonga, who won his first competition at 12 years old, will show off some stand up paddling at the event. A style of surfing that is currently seeing a resurgence.
The other two internationals are Jackson Close, who at 23 has won over 40 competitions and placed in over 100, and Harley Ingleby reigning Australian champion.
“It’s going to be a great sporting event but also a great community event, with lots of action both on and off the water” says David.
“We’re having a gold coin bbq, with all proceeds going to the local club – Titahi Bay Christian Surfers Club, so bring along the family, friends and come and meet some of our surfers”.
The 2008 tour comprises seven events with the Wellington competition the second to last one. The final in the series will be held at Port Waikato, April 12-13.