OFFSHORE wind and a small easterly swell set the perfect scene for the beginning of the North Haven Boardriders’ 2025 season on Sunday, 16 February.

The first club contest of the year featured 55 surfers across five grades – A, B, C, Under 21, and bodyboarding.

Also making its debut appearance on the day was “Wave Warriors”, a new Under 12 surfing initiative funded by the Boardriders club.

Vice president Sean Cummins described the surf conditions as “premium for the first contest of the year”, with “great waves on offer for everyone”.

In the Open Bodyboard Final, Chris Breeze emerged victorious with a score of 11.70, clearing second place Oliver Milner by one point, while Kayne Jones placed third.

Beau Hall took first place honours in the Under 21 division, securing the win over Louie Kaa.

Nathan Hall secured the win in C Grade with a score of 8.25 over second place Daniel John Blanch and Adam Nield in third.

The B Grade Open final was a tight competition, with Jye Chalker eventually emerging as the winner over Neil Wright (second) and Craig Brittliffe (third).

However it was A Grade competitor Matt Banting who stole the show.

Matt scored 8.85 on his second wave, followed by 8.15 on his fourth, for a total of 17.00 to take the win over Damien Kelly in second and Sean Cummins in third.

The Boardriders’ next monthly contest will be held on 16 March.

By Kim AMBROSE