Nikki Nathan wins Remember the Days contest
Ahipara natural-footer Nikki Nathan was delighted to have the privilege of holding the Remember the Days trophy aloft after winning the annual surf contest held in glassy four-foot waves at Tauroa Point on Saturday.
Nathan said after the event it had been a longstanding goal to win the trophy.
“Sick waves! I wasn’t the best surfer out there today but got the waves to get the win. This was the only comp I wanted to win.
“Now I can ‘retire’,” he said. He said he had utmost respect for the event.
“The kaupapa behind this trophy is why I was there today and will continue to be [in the future].
“Remember the Days is about remembering those who have passed on and were all legends in our eyes. Some big characters and personalities . . .
“Suicide awareness is a major player today in peoples’ lives where helping so many and having compassion for those of us, whether they be friends or family etc, is a big deal,” he said.
Nathan thanked wife Briana for being his “cheer squad” on the day, and thanked organiser Wayne Clarke — who established the contest in 2012 to raise awareness around the issue of suicide. He remembered those from the local surfing community who had died — for his “solid mahi . . . and stirring us all up by travelling from his current base in Melbourne” to run the contest.
Wayne said conditions on Saturday were ideal for the turnout of 12 competitors who were accompanied by an estimated 20 supporters, with seven heats run throughout the morning and early afternoon to find the new champion.
“I love coming home to run this competition. Great day, great surf, great yarns, cheers everyone!” Clarke said. He thanked the local business community for sponsorship.
■ Results from the 2019 Remember the Days surf contest held at Blue House on Saturday, April 6, were Nikki Nathan 1, Daniel Bird 2, Andrew Self 3, Adam Bowmar 4.