Surfing NZ is urging the country’s 330,000+ surfers to take simple, practical steps to protect themselves and their communities this summer, as the surfing season kicks off this Sunday.
The call to action sits within Epic Break, Surfing NZ’s new summer campaign supporting surfers and Kiwi holidaymakers to enjoy an unforgettable season on the water and at the beach. Safety is one of several themes within the wider campaign. It has been chosen as the focus for National Surfing Day because of the increased activity on the coastline at this time of year.
The message is especially timely after last week’s dramatic rescue at Piha, where a young surfer was swept more than a kilometre offshore before being found in near darkness. Surfing NZ says the incident, along with several recent life-saving bystander rescues carried out by surfers in the Waikato, is a reminder of how quickly conditions can shift along the New Zealand coastline.
Ahead of this season, Surfing NZ is urging all surfers to check conditions, know your limits, surf with a friend, and take a lesson with a qualified surf instructor if you are new into the sport.
Regular surfers are also being invited to sign up for Surfers Rescue 24/7, a short course from Surfing NZ that teaches surfers practical rescue techniques and basic CPR. Courses are widely available around the country through local boardriders clubs and Surf Lifesaving clubs.
Surfing New Zealand CEO Ben Kennings says raising awareness and knowledge is critical.
“When surfers take responsibility for their own preparation and choices, and when regular surfers are equipped to help others, our whole community benefits. We want everyone to enjoy an epic break this season, so we are asking surfers to look out for themselves and each other.”
Kennings says growing community capability is just as important.
“Our coastline is full of surfers who know their beaches well and who naturally look out for others. Doing the Surfers Rescue 24/7 course will strengthen both skill and confidence. When more surfers have the training to immediately help, and when everyone takes basic steps to manage their own safety on the water, we will have a safer and more enjoyable summer break.”
New Zealand’s surfing community is large, active, and mobile
According to Sport New Zealand’s Active Survey, more than 330,000 Kiwis surf. 135,000 identify as active surfing fans who follow the sport or attend events. More than 52 percent surf two to five times a week in summer, and 67 percent travel up to 500 kilometres a month in search of the best conditions. These patterns make safety choices especially important as surfers move around the coastline across the summer, looking for good, uncrowded beaches.
Epic Break launches nationwide
National Surfing Day also marks the public launch of Epic Break, Surfing New Zealand’s new summer campaign. Spanning eight national surfing events in the North and South Islands, the campaign brings together experiences and partners that can contribute toward an epic break for Kiwis this summer. Official launch partners include ACC, Sun Bum and Kiwi Holiday Insurance.
Boardrider clubs and surf schools will hold activities across this weekend to celebrate National Surfing Day and support the national call to stay safe and have an Epic Break this summer. A digital campaign will run across the season, sharing stories and giving away prizes to surfers who post their epic breaks, both out on the waves and from their wider holiday experiences.
Epic Break also includes partner offerings designed to support summer travel and wellbeing. From Sunday onwards, Surfing NZ will be offering a new holiday insurance product on its website in partnership with Kiwi Holiday Insurance. The product is fully underwritten by Southern Cross Travel Insurance and a portion of the proceeds will be reinvested into surfing.
Whether travelling domestically or internationally, KHI is able to offer comprehensive coverage with a range of options; these include but are not limited to: cancellation coverage, baggage and personal items, and Rental Vehicle Excess. You should read the Policy Wording before making any decisions about this insurance. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.
ENDS