School Surfing returns to Gisborne 

For immediate release 

27th September 2022 
 
From: Surfing New Zealand 
Sport: Junior Surfing 
Events: 2022 Sticky Johnson Primary School Championships presented by Skullcandy 
Dates: 1st – 2nd October 
Location: Gisborne 
Event Info: Surfing New Zealand 
 
School Surfing returns to Gisborne 
 
Over 80 frothing groms are to descend on Gisborne this weekend with the Sticky Johnson Primary School Champs presented by Skullcandy taking place over two days (1-2 October). 
 
With the 2021 event cancelled due to covid restrictions Kiwi groms have been waiting in anticipation for the event to come around again. Kicking off on Saturday, groms from the length of the country will be bringing their best form to the waves. Many participants are competing nationally for the first time so a user-friendly round robin format is in place giving every participant three chances at having a go before the top ranked surfers face off in finals. 
 
The event is again being held in Gisborne with Midway Beach the primary venue.  Additional coastal options will come into play should conditions require. 
 
The Sticky Johnson Primary School Championships presented by Skullcandy are the entry point for New Zealand’s youngest surfers that want to compete at a national level. The hugely popular event offers up an opportunity for first-time participants there to give it a go and have fun, the chance to experience what it is like to compete against their peers around Aotearoa.  They learn, they enjoy themselves and they make new friends. 
 
The event also offers up the perfect platform for the savviest of young groms, some who were almost born on a surfboard and are seasoned campaigners the chance to battle it out against their closest rivals.  Some of these young surfers are regularly participating in domestic events and some starting to venture overseas to face off against the best Australia has to offer. 
 
Past event champions include New Zealand’s finest such as Olympian Ella Williams (WGM), New Zealand representative’s Ava Henderson (Chch) and Kehu Butler (Mnt).  
 
The event has grown over the years to now include a Year 7 & 8 Division and Year 6 and Under for the boys and girls.  The nation’s top club is also rewarded, Bay Boardriders of Mount Maunganui being two time defending champions this year. 
 
The draw, live scores and all other information can be found by searching Surfing New Zealand on www.liveheats.com or Here. 
 
Further Information  
For further information on the 2022 Sticky Johnson Primary School Champs pres by Skullcandy please contact Surfing New Zealand’s Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz. 
 
Imagery  
High resolution action images of the surfing will be available to media free of charge upon request.  
 
Social Media  
Keep up with all the action by following @surfingnz on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.   
 
Partners 
Generous support from Sticky Johnson and presenting sponsors Skullcandy, has made this event possible along with Eastern and Central Community Trust.  The event is proudly hosted by Gisborne Boardriders. 
 
Surfing New Zealand is proudly partnered by:  
Sport NZ  
Water Safety NZ  
Skinnies  
Volkswagen  
Arepa  
Ends