Gisborne delivered an idyllic day of waves and weather to kick of the season with the 2027 NZ Surf Series and NZ Grom Series getting underway in perfect 1.0m waves at Red Bus, Makorori. New Zealand’s top surfers fired into action ahead of the biggest season of surfing to reach our shores.
With the WSL World Championship Tour returning to Raglan, New Zealand along with two new qualifying series events here in Gisborne (23-28 March and Dunedin (16-21 March), there is a lot on the line for Aotearoa’s best as they target international success.
It was a classic up-and-comers versus the established on day one as the likes of Caleb Cutmore, Billy Stairmand, Taylor Hutchison and Maz Quinn were pushed by youth including Alexis Owen, Sol Fritchley and Van Camenzind, all seven surfers taking impressive heat wins.
Cutmore looked electric in his performance, capping an excellent 16.0 point heat with an 8.67 point ride for three big forehand turns in the tight lefts on offer.
Stairmand, top scored for the men with a 16.40 point heat total, going to the air and proving that his surfing extends well beyond his noted backhand attack. Quinn also showed exceptional glimpses of brilliance including an 8.6 point ride for critical backhand surfing while Hutchison methodically posted a 14.50 point heat total with ease to advance.
Leading the youth, Camenzind looked explosive as did Alexis Owen in the opening heat of the day, their power proving the difference and young Sol Fritchley ensured that he was not left out of the mix as he surfed to a 15.23 point total to advance to the last 24 surfers, the next round scheduled for Saturday.
Other standout performances included a perfectly executed air reverse from Westen Hirst for a 7.5, some tight surfing from Indica Corcoran and also Jayden Willougby as he continues his return to the competitive arena.
The New Zealand Surfing Team head off to Peru to compete at the 2026 ISA World Surfing Games Olympic qualifier in two weeks and they ensured they got in some reps leading up to the pinnacle event. Lewis Murphy and Taimana Marupo looked strong today as did Indi – Lee Ruddell and Kyra Wallis, the two women advancing to the semifinals to be held on Sunday.
The big heat of the Open Women’s Division came through Alani Morse, Lola Groube and New Zealand rep Grace Gundry with Morse and Groube going wave-for-wave to defeat an in-form Gundry to advance. Morse got the nod 17.17, the highest heat score of the day, to Groube’s 14.90. Poppy Arkle and Chloe Groube also notched up impressive heat wins as the Makorori conditions remained glassy all afternoon.
Day one was rounded out by the Under 16 Boys Division with Jaxon Pardoe, Haru Marsden and London Cockerill taking notable heat wins to round out the day.
Day two will see dual arenas utilised to make the most of conditions with an expected bump in the swell and Norwest offshore winds. All divisions apart from the Open Women’s Division will be held on day two, the schedule can be viewed here – https://liveheats.com/events/564017/schedule.
The final day of the event, held on Sunday, will be streamed via https://www.youtube.com/@SurfingNZ1963
The 2027 New Zealand Surf Series frequents Gisborne, Christchurch, Piha, Raglan and Dunedin this season.
Further Information
For further information on the 2026 East Coast Pro, please contact Surfing New Zealand’s Ben Kennings on benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz or call 0212278732.
Imagery
High-resolution images will be available to media upon request. Images will be distributed free of charge courtesy of Surfing NZ. Please contact Gavin Bisman for further details.
Event Details
The draw and results can be viewed at https://liveheats.com/events/564017.
Follow the event
Follow the action via social media @surfingnz or @eastcoastsurfriders across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
Surfing New Zealand is proudly partnered by:
Sport NZ
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ACC
Kiwi Holiday Insurance
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