Daniel Farr Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Surfing champ Daniel Farr is relishing the prospect of defending his title on home surf in Taranaki this week.
The New Plymouth surfer is the incumbent men's open-division champion and says it is exciting to compete at the National Surfing Championships.
"I'm just having nerves for breakfast every morning. I wake up and the trophy is just sitting there looking at me and it's just more motivation every single day to keep it where it is, and to be back here defending it is very special."
The 25-year-old - who was currently based in Australia to further his surfing ambitions - believed his knowledge of the Taranaki coastline would give him an edge.
"I reckon, yeah. I know this beach (Onuku Taipari / Back Beach) and I've always surfed it in summer with these banks, so it's good to see them again and it looks like they are going to hold throughout the week.
"So there's definitely a bit of a home court advantage and I'm just stoked it's back here, because last time it was here I missed out due to injury.
"I'm just looking forward to keeping the title here. I've dreamed about this to be very honest. I've prayed and dreamed about it, so I'm looking forward to it happening and I'll be doing everything I can to make it happen."
Local surfer Jarrod Hancock takes part in the National Surfing Championships in Taranaki. Photo: Supplied
Farr will face tough opposition from Raglan's eight-time national champion Billy Stairmand, Piha duo Elliot Paerata Reid and Dune Kennings, and Taranaki up-and-comer Spencer Rowson.
A record 400 board-riders were competing at the National Surfing Championships, ranging from in age from their early teens to more than 70 years old.
They would be competing in disciplines including long-boarding, stand-up paddleboard, bodyboarding, kneeboarding, adaptive surfing and the pinnacle event - the short-board open division.
Phia surfer Leia Millar, second left, and her mates are looking forward to taking on NZ women's surfing legend Paige Hareb at the National Surfing Championships in Taranaki this week. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Piha surfer Leia Millar was competing in the under-18s and women's open division where she had an eye on Taranaki - and former World Tour surfer - Paige Hareb who was making a rare appearance at the nationals.
"Yeah no, for sure, definitely Paige is someone we look up to and she's like the local girl here, so yeah, she's super cool. There's lots of girls in it this year which is really cool. I'm just excited just to be able to surf against lots of girls and there's lots of people across from Australia too and I think we'll all be pushing one another."
The 18-year-old said the nationals were an important stepping-stone for surfers hoping to perform on the world stage.
"If you win it it can sometimes be a way to get into the New Zealand teams, the junior ones and maybe the open team, and generally it's just really good and it helps you prepare for the Qualifying Series as well. It's one of the biggest competitions in New Zealand."
But not everybody was out to impress on the World Tour's qualifying series.
Mt Maunganui's Robb Friend was competing at the nationals for the first time since 1977. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Mt Maunganui's Robb Friend was returning to the nationals for the first time in almost 50 years.
"Last time I was at the nationals was Piha 1977. I didn't get out of my heat there and I'm not expecting to get out of my heat here either."
The 69-year-old, who was surfing in the over-60s division, had a good reason to return to competition.
"My partner is the standup paddleboard open women's competition and I said I can't be on the beach watching I'd better do something. You'll notice I'm the only person with a long board and everybody else has short boards, so I'm just cannon fodder."
He said there was more to the competition than winning titles.
"I just love being with my tribe. You know, I see people I haven't seen for years. It's like going to the Easter Masters at the New Plymouth Surfriders Club, you get to say hello to people from other parts of the country who I've now know for, well, since I first started travelling when I was 15, so 55 years."
The National Surfing Championships - which were being hosted by the New Plymouth Surfriders Club - wrap up on Saturday.
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