Orewa Longboard Club’s 20th anniversary – from rainy slop to sheet glass (so NZ!)

Held over the weekend at Waipu Cove at Northland New Zealand, the club was blessed with three-foot perfection for finals day, although Saturday was rough and wet. Most of us were concentrating on just trying to make our heats so we could surf in the epic conditions predicted for the Sunday. 

Waking up at the campsite and walking over the dunes at 6.30am, the view stopped me from eating breakfast and brushing my teeth, as I ran back to get my board and wetsuit with that mega excited feeling only surfers know! 

Sunday was an epic one, with our club’s top surfers able to put on a show in such great waves, among them Mark Hoyle, an Oxbow tour veteran of many years, and Tom “TK” Kibblewhite, a previous NZ national longboard champ. There were lots of Oooos and Aaaahhs from the crowd as TK dropped into a barrel and then came out straight onto a perfect noseride - and a win in the Open Mens of the OLBC 20th Anniversary Comp.

Wynn Hoogerbrugge, who’s known for his standout surfing and North Noast longboarding skills, was also ripping it up in the Open Mens final and the Over 45s final. Phil Morris was carving it up in the final, with some really nice drop-knee turns and noserides to give the judges something to think about! 

The club was stoked to see Matt Newdick at the comp as he has mates all over NZ, and tends to head to where the waves are best, in a transcendent orca-of-the-ocean logging/twin-fin stylin’ kind of way. One day when I grow up I wanna be like Matt! 

The club are also pleased to have some epic new lady loggers at the event. Sasha, Lousie, Tayla and Lisa contested a great final and were given the best of the tide by the event organisers to show the club’s appreciation for their efforts. 

At the end of the day club president Greg Illing and Brownie (founder and life member) gave a great speech about past members and the beginnings of the club. Brownie still surfs better than half the club at 70 something - winning the over 65s division.

A big thanks to all the organisers especially Steve Morris, Jo Illiing, and all the others (you know who you are).

Such a great weekend was had by all! Just a shame we only have the comps once every two years.

- words & photos from Rob Counsell - @tightfivesnz