Eight Mount Maunganui College surfers are preparing to take on some of the world’s best young wave riders after qualifying for the prestigious Honua Finals in Hawaii next month.
The invitation-only event, known as the World Cup of Interscholastic Surfing, brings together top school surfing teams from around the globe and will be held from July 23-26 at Ala Moana Bowls on Oahu.
Mount Maunganui College teacher and coach Andrew Fredrickson said being invited to compete is a significant achievement for the school and its surfers.
“Honua Finals is an international competition that is invitation-only for top competitive surfing schools around the world,” Fredrickson said.
“Our surfers from Mount Maunganui College have been recognised internationally as being of this calibre.”
Mount Maunganui College Surf Team. Back: Khan Butler, Zade Pitkeathly, 17, Maddie Tod, 16, Noah Ramsbottom, 15, Izzy Evans, 16, Charlie Hartstone, 15, Andrew Fredrickson. Front: Remy Sale, 16, Zen Mouldey, 16, Molly Laery, 16. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
The team was selected based on performances in Surfing New Zealand events, school competitions and Bay Boardriders contests, as well as commitment to training, team culture and school achievement.
Surfing has long been a strong part of life at Mount Maunganui College, with about 100 students taking part in coaching and training programmes each year.
“Surfing, both recreationally and competitively, has always been well represented at Mount Maunganui College throughout the years,” Fredrickson said. “It continues to grow.”
The travelling squad includes eight student surfers and two staff coaches – Fredrickson and Khan Butler.
Izzy Evans: “It feels so unreal to have this amazing opportunity".
For Year 12 student Izzy Evans, 16, the opportunity to compete internationally is a dream come true.
“It feels so unreal to have this amazing opportunity,” she said.
“I’m just so overly excited words can’t even explain.”
Evans said she “literally jumped up and down with excitement” when she found out she was heading to Hawaii.
Surfing plays a major role in her life.
“If I’m having a hard or stressful day, I will just head out for a surf in the beautiful ocean, and it always clears my mind.”
She is particularly looking forward to meeting surfers from around the world and testing herself against international competition.
“I’m also looking forward to being able to surf in togs again in warm water in beautiful Hawaii.”
Mount Maunganui College surfing team members Maddie Tod, 16, Charlie Hartstone, 15, and Molly Laery, 16. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Year 11 student Charlie Hartstone, 15, said representing his school at the event is a privilege.
Hartstone said he never imagined he would have the chance to surf the famous Ala Moana Bowls in a contest.
“I was super excited. I never thought I would get a chance to surf a wave like Ala Moana Bowl in a contest with just three other people.”
For Hartstone, surfing is more than a sport.
“Surfing is who I am. I can’t imagine not surfing, and I’ll do it for the rest of my life.”
Zade Pitkeathly surfing a wave. Photo / Supplied
In preparation for the event, the team has been focusing on surf technique, competition strategy, and strength and conditioning training.
They also drew inspiration from watching the World Surf League Championship Tour event heats at Manu Bay, Raglan, earlier this year.
While the opportunity is exciting, getting a team to Hawaii comes with high costs, including flights, accommodation, competition fees, uniforms, insurance, food and transport.
The team has been fundraising through the sale of specially designed T-shirts, boardshorts and hats.
The shirts were created by local designer Steve Kirkby of Parkby Projects and draw inspiration from the story of Te Toka a Tirikawa, reflecting themes of resilience and standing strong through adversity.
The Mount Maunganui College Surf Team shirts were designed by local designer Steve Kirkby, of Parkby Projects, and draw inspiration from the story of Te Toka a Tirikawa. Photo / Kelly O'Hara
Fredrickson said community support has already been strong, with sponsorship from Bay Orthopaedics, Stonewood Homes and Bower Real Estate, as well as previous support from Curve Surf and NZ Windows.
“There is a big cost for our top competitive surfers to get to events,” he said.
“We hope to use an awesome product that we can sell to the public that helps us raise some money and is a win-win for everyone.”
Both Evans and Hartstone said local support means a great deal to the team.
“This is such an amazing opportunity for us and your support would mean so much to me and the team,” Evans said.
Hartstone agrees.
“We are a great group of local kids who are out doing what we love and need all the support we can get.”
While both surfers have competitive goals, they are also determined to make the most of the experience.
“I think everyone would like to win, but the competition is going to be super tough,” Evans said.
“My goal would be to at least make it through a couple of rounds and enjoy the experience.”
Hartstone’s goal is simple: “Make it through my first heat and then progress as far as I can”.
Whatever the result, the Mount Maunganui College team will be carrying the hopes of their school and community as they take on the world in one of surfing’s premier school events.