Incredible display of courage and determination on second day of surf rescue challenge

The Mount Maunganui waves were still pumping for surf lifesaving athletes today, but with more space between sets the teams were able to showcase their full range of rescue-ready skills at day two of the International Surf Rescue Challenge.

To work with the surf conditions, racing started earlier and the on-beach racing – sprints, flags, and relays – was up first.

The Australian open team took the lead in points over the Black Fins who were ahead on day one, and are now 8 points behind in second place with South Africa in third, Great Britain in fourth, and Spain in fifth. The New Zealand Pathway team are in the lead on day two, with South Africa in second place. The Australian youth team extended their lead in points, and South Africa are in second.  

Tanya Hamilton, Surf Life Saving’s High Performance Manager, says; “We're really happy we got through the full programme today after only getting through a third of the programme. We saw a fantastic start in the water for the Black Fins ski racers, and the board rescue for the men was epic. Cory Taylor won the surf race in testing conditions, which made for spectacular racing.  

“The Junior Black Fins took a few knocks, but their coach Bjorn Battaerd was proud of how they bounced back and said it was a real team growth day.

“We did need to make a team change overnight, as Briana Irving unfortunately had an injury. We brought Charlize Duncan into the open team from our junior Black Fins. That meant we had Abigail Moxon joining the Junior Black Fins in her place. Abigail had a great performance today in both the flags and beach relay.” 

Hamilton says; “Our teams are excited for Sunday, it’s going to be a test decider and the conditions are going to be a little more tame, which will makes the races faster. 

Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s National Event Manager, Luke Smith, noted that what really stood out on day two was the level of courage and determination across the whole competition from athletes who aren't used to the sort of conditions we’ve had. 

Smith said; “A highlight of the day was seeing how important team races are for the athletes. We saw teams like South Africa and Spain shine in their team events - representing their country on the world stage brought out their best performances and some emotional reactions from supporters.”  

Looking ahead to the final test on Sunday, the teams are likely to see calmer conditions. This will lead to shorter, faster races and means that there's still the opportunity for big changes in points before the challenge concludes.  

Saturday 29th November is a rest day for most ISRC competitors; while Surf Life Saving holds a Youth Clinic from 2-4pm on Main Beach which will see aspiring young lifesavers learning from the best.  

Sunday 30th November is the third and final day of racing, points tallied from all three tests will be combined to name the winning nation.  

For all ISRC event information, please visit: https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/sport/international-surf-rescue-challenge-2025