21/10/2024
From: Surfing New Zealand
Sport: International ISA Surfing Championships
Event: 2024 World Masters Surfing Championships
Divisions: (Kahunas 60+ Men, Women), (Grand Masters 50+ Men, Women), (Masters 40+ Men, Women)
Dates: October 18-24, 2024
Location: El Sunzal – El Salvador
Event Info: ISA
Kiwis kick off Day 1 at the ISA World Masters Surfing Championships
Master surfing has returned to the international stage with Surf City El Salvador the host of the 2024 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship. Last held in 2013 a record 28 teams including New Zealand are in attendance in 2024.
The opening ceremony saw the best surfers in the world (aged over 40) gather in Surf City , El Salvador to celebrate the return of the event after a hiatus of 11 years. Lyndon Fairbairn represented New Zealand as the flag bearer whilst Geoff Hutchison poured the sand at the iconic ceremony.
The New Zealand Masters Surfing Team Supported by RPM include Reuben Woods (Masters 40+ Men), Heather Easterbrook (Masters 40+ Women), Lyndon Fairbairn (Grand Masters 50+ Men) and Geoff Hutchison (Kahunas 60+ Men)
Day 1 kicked off today with the Kahunas taking to the water first.
For the kiwis it was Geoff Hutchison (Kahunas 60+ Men) who got his campaign underway in heat 4. An excellent start to the event, Geoff found 4 waves, including a 4.8 and a 3.5, more than enough to put him ahead of his opponents of El Salvador and Argentina. He placed 2nd behind Rodney Baldwin of Australia. Geoff will surf again in Round 2 Heat 1.
Lyndon Fairbairn (Grand Masters 50+ Men) took to the water in Heat 4 and looked comfortable in the fun right handers of El Sunzal. A pair of 5s was enough to see Lyndon through to the next round surpassing his opponents from Costa Rica, and Switzerland. He will surf again in Round 2 Heat 1
Rueben who is yet to surf will take to the water in the Masters division Round 1 Heat 3 against surfers from Canada, Costa Rica and Argentina
Heather Easterbrook (Masters 40+ Women) Heather surfed in the final heat today in clean fun conditions against previous medalists including surfers from Brazil, El Salvador and Australia. Despite the seemingly fun conditions and a few lower scoring waves Heather didn’t quite find enough waves with scoring potential and placed 4th. She will surf in again in the repechage rounds.
For full Results, heat draws and upcoming schedule head to the ISA Website https://isasurf.org/event/2024-isa-world-masters-surfing-championship/
The New Zealand Masters Surfing team is proudly supported by RPM
Ends
