Sunset Beach Claims third consecutive bp IRB National Title in dominant fashion 

Port Waikato’s Sunset Beach Surf Life Saving Club has once again proven its dominance at the bp IRB New Zealand Championships, claiming its third consecutive title in emphatic style at Waipu Cove over the weekend. Sunset Beach nearly doubled the points of closest rivals, Dunedin’s St Kilda, to secure the top spot at the premier event for inflatable rescue boat (IRB) racing in New Zealand. 

Sunset Beach’s success was underpinned by the strength of its open women’s crews, with all three featuring in every final across the competition. Despite a shake-up in their champion pairing, with crewperson Abi Chapman sidelined due to injury, Hayley Rewi stepped in to race alongside Taylor Edwards. The duo continued Sunset’s impressive form, winning all five open female finals and securing the top female crew title for the fifth straight year. 

Overall, Sunset Beach crews claimed 12 of the 32 finals, further cementing their reputation as the club to beat. Sunset Beach IRB team captain Shane Edwards says it was an outstanding result for the club. 

“The whole team is thrilled to come away with the victory after facing some very strong competition. Caitlin Walker has been exceptional in her first year as our IRB lead, putting in tremendous effort to prepare the crews. Thanks to her leadership, we had the largest number of teams ever representing the club, and the results speak for themselves. It’s incredible to see our successful run continue under her guidance," he says. 

Competitors enjoyed calm and sunny conditions on Friday and Saturday, which allowed for fast-paced racing, while increasing winds on Sunday added an extra challenge as crews balanced speed and skill to navigate the tricky conditions. 

The competition format saw Tube Rescue heats and finals on Friday, followed by Assembly Rescue heats and finals, Teams Race heats, and Mass Rescue heats on Saturday. Sunday concluded the championship with Mass Rescue finals, Single Rescue heats and finals, and Teams Race finals. 

The Masters division returned with a full schedule in 2025, delivering one of the event’s standout races in the Masters Female Mass Rescue final. In a thrilling showdown, the Waipu Cove pairing of Angela Stolwerk and Rowan Pullan upset favourites Natalie and Jane Reid from St Kilda. Meanwhile, Sunset Beach’s Hogan Shrimpton and Glen Richards dominated the Masters Male division, winning the Tube, Mass, and Single Rescue events—though their clean sweep was thwarted by a disqualification in the Assembly Rescue. 

South Island champions St Kilda secured second place overall and was named the top South Island crew. Waimarama edged out Opunake in a tightly contested battle for third place, by just four points. 

Meanwhile, the future of IRB racing looks bright for Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club, whose U19 crews made a strong impression by winning four finals across both the male and female divisions. 

A special highlight of the event was the introduction of new Masters ‘Top Crew’ trophies, designed and built by Dave Clarke, an experienced event surf lifeguard and scrutineer, adding a fresh tradition to the championship. 

Event referee Richard Whinham praised the level of competition and sportsmanship displayed throughout the weekend, while Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s National Sport Manager, Lewis McClintock, acknowledged the dedication of both competitors and volunteers. 

“It was a great way to complete what has been a successful national events season across the board. The season really started with the World Lifesaving Championships back in August 2024, where Sunset Beach—then competing as the Black Props—successfully defended their world title, so you could say that Sunset victories have bookended the competitive season. 

“Waipu Cove SLSC are fantastic hosts, and the weather played its part in delivering ideal conditions for IRB racing,” says McClintock. 

“Our competitors have spent the summer lifeguarding beaches, keeping our communities safe, and IRB crews are the best of the best when it comes to training to both compete and be rescue-ready. The year-on-year growth in the sport, particularly in female age groups, shows that the future of IRB racing—and in turn, our lifeguarding and search and rescue capabilities—are in great hands.” 

McClintock also acknowledged the tireless efforts of volunteer officials, water safety teams, and event supporters, as well as long-time event partner bp for making the championships possible. 

bp Head of Country NZ, Haley Mahoney says bp is proud to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the bp IRB National Championships; an event that showcases the skill, dedication, and teamwork of our country’s top IRB crews.  

“For over 55 years, we’ve partnered with Surf Lifesaving New Zealand to help keep people safer on New Zealand beaches. Seeing our surf lifeguards in action—in competition and when saving lives—is testament to their expertise and passion.” 

“We congratulate all the competitors and volunteers who made this event such a success. We are incredibly inspired by the calibre of New Zealand’s surf lifeguards," she says.  

Overall Points 

Top Crews 

For full results click here.  

Photo credit: Robert Ferguson