Three days, one champion: Sunset Beach reigns at IRB nationals

Three intense days of racing at Waikanae Beach in Gisborne concluded today with Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service taking home the national title as this year’s IRB (inflatable rescue boat) champions.

The results for the 2026 bp New Zealand IRB Championships proved Sunset Beach the decisive winners on 153 points, with second place going to St Kilda on 69, and third place to Sumner on 50. This is the third consecutive win for Sunset Beach.

Competitors came to Gisborne from all over New Zealand, with inter-club camaraderie and community proving the biggest motivator for participation. At Friday orning’s whakatau (opening ceremony), Wainui SLSC Kaumātua Ian Proctor welcomed Surf Life Saving New Zealand and 118 crews to Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Poverty Bay) as part of his bi-lingual whaikōrero. He also acknowledged Ngai Tāwhiri, represented by Thelma Karaitiana-Bell, as mana whenua. 

By Sunday’s closing medal ceremony, the atmosphere was buoyant after three fast-paced days, and participants, organisers and partners celebrated a successful event. 

SLSNZs GM Sport Zac Franich said; “Congratulations to all our crews, you've shown that IRB racing continues to go from strength to strength and New Zealand surf lifeguards are world leading. Thank you to our committed and skilled volunteers and officials who are the backbone of our sport, to our awesome host club Waikanae, and thank you also to major partner bp, who make it all possible.” 

bp New Zealand Head of Country Haley Mahoney said; “The IRB Championships are a great example of the skill, teamwork and preparation that goes into operating these boats. It’s been fantastic to see crews like Sunset Beach perform under pressure, and to support an event that reflects the real capability lifeguards bring to our beaches every day.” 

Sunday Highlights

IRB driver Taylor Edwards, from champion club Sunset Beach, is leaving the event with yet another national title (she's now earned more than 50) after steering her crew to top overall open women's position today. Edwards said; “IRBs are really our main tradition at Sunset, were like a family and I love going away with the team. I felt good about how were doing, because although my teammate Michaela and I haven't done a whole lot of racing together, she's so experienced it's been a breeze to just jump in.

“The conditions have been great too; it's been more like a lake the last few days. Waves are fun and entertaining to watch, but its nicer on the body when its calm, and we get fast, sharp, and highly technical racing;” said Edwards.

In the Masters race, there was just one female crew competing which sent them home with their guaranteed gold after racing alongside the men's crews; and the Nelson SLSC team said they were certain they'd have more women to race against next year. Driver Mary Seelan said; “We’re proud to have brought three female crews this year, masters, open and U23 – this reflects the fact that our club is predominantly female. We had a great race on Saturday and held our own among the men, though this morning wasn't as strong as we dragged. The men we raced alongside have been great though, and it feels like one big surf family out there.”

In the under-23 women's competition, the St Clair team was victorious in the single rescue, despite their training being hampered by living in different parts of the country. Their years of prior teamwork proved valuable, and Charlotte Underwood-Nicol said; “We’ve been competing as a team for four seasons, but now I've moved up to the big smoke so we've had just three training sessions together, and we were nervous! But we had a good start – starts are our strong point – we turn and skim, and we did a lot of visualisations.”

Both used to compete in the sand sports after first joining St Clair as nippers but eventually made the switch to IRB racing. Mereana Martin says; “IRB racing has helped us read the waves well, and it was a bit scary at first but our club is so supportive - we have local legends Carla and Steph Laughton there to guide us.

“This national champs has been great. We’re biased and love our home beach the most for IRB racing, but it’s special travelling to other beaches around the country and this is our first time racing at Waikanae, the weather and conditions have been awesome, and it's such a cool atmosphere;” said Martin.