Calling all young surf-lovers, families, and visitors — the Sticky Johnson Primary School Surfing Championships Presented by Skullcandy are rolling into Gisborne, New Zealand this September! If you’re cruising in (or live locally), this is your chance to cheer on the groms, soak up surf culture, and score amazing gear from Blitz Surf Shop while you’re here.
NZ Primary School Surfing Champs: Event Details
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What: A national surf competition run by Surfing New Zealand, built especially for primary school surfers — whether they’re new to contest surfing or already experienced.
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Divisions: Boys Year 7 & 8; Boys Year 6 & Under; Girls Year 8 & Under; Girls Year 6 & Under.
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Format: Round-robin heats so every child gets multiple chances to compete, build confidence, and have fun.
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When: 20–21 September 2025.
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Where: Midway Beach (Gizzy Pipe), Gisborne, with backup venue likely to be Makorori Beach depending on surf conditions.
This family-friendly event will bring young surfers and their families from all over New Zealand to the East Coast for a weekend of waves, community, and competition.
Come and watch the best primary and intermediate school age surfers in action and support the up and coming groms
Sticky Johnson: Supporting Surfing in New Zealand
This year’s Primary School Surfing Champs are proudly supported by Sticky Johnson, a legendary New Zealand surf wax and accessories brand. Sticky Johnson’s owner, Steve Morpeth, has been a long-time supporter of surfing in NZ — backing events, athletes, and grassroots competitions that help groms get into the sport.
Here is an excellent article about Steve and the Sticky Johnson story in NZ Surf Journal online
From local beach days to national-level contests, Sticky Johnson has built a reputation for quality surf wax and for giving back to the surf community. Their sponsorship of the Primary School Champs shows their commitment to helping the next generation of surfers grow, compete, and enjoy the sport we all love.
Get some Sticky Johnson surfboard wax on your stick, not only will it keep you on your board but by buying Sticky Johnson gear you help them support events like this around the motu. Buy NZ made surf wax
Blitz Surf Shop: Sale On During the Champs
Since you’ll be here, make sure to visit Blitz Surf Shop — we’re running a huge sale while the Primary School Champs are on.
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🔹 All sale clothing is 50% off, including a big range of children’s surf clothing. Epic brands like Santa Cruz, Quiksilver, Billabong, Radicool Kids and more. We'll keep these amazing deals going throughout the entire school holidays!
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🔹 Kids’ 4/3mm winter wetsuits are also on sale — ideal for keeping the groms warm in cooler conditions. And on top of that all of our wetsuit booties, hoods and gloves are on sale at the moment too. Even though the weather is improving into spring, our local sea water temp is still requiring plenty of rubber!
👉 Browse here: Kids Sale Wetsuits at Blitz Surf Shop
Local Surf Knowledge & Gear
Need advice while you’re in town? Call in and see us at Blitz. The Blitz crew can:
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Recommend the best local breaks based on swell, tide, and wind.
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Help you choose the right surfboard, wetsuit, or accessories.
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Share safe entry and exit points at places like Makorori Beach and Gizzy Pipe.
Check out our resources before you paddle out:
Extra Fun in Gisborne: Skate Park & Pump Track
If the kids need to burn more energy off the sand, don’t miss the Gisborne Skate Park. This relatively new, high-quality park has bowls, rails, and smooth concrete that make it one of the best skate parks in New Zealand.
Right across the road behind the Gisborne i-SITE, you’ll find a hidden gem — the pump track. It’s perfect for bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and ideal for all ages.
👉 Pro tip: The best time to visit is after 6:30–7pm. The evenings are cooler, the crowds thin out, and if it gets dark the lights automatically switch on. It’s the perfect family spot for a relaxed session after a big day at the beach.
Post-Surf Eats
After a big day of surfing or skating, you’ll need to refuel. Check out our blog on the Best Takeaways in Gisborne After Your Surf — a handy guide to where you can grab a feed close to the action.
Competition Venues: What to Expect
| Venue | Why It’s Good | Things to Know |
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| Midway Beach/Gizzy Pipe | Central and close to town, accessible, great for mixed ability levels. Breaks on all tides. | Can get hectic rips if the surf gets a bit bigger. Tricky take offs as waves look like they'll break further out than they do |
| Makorori Beach | Family-friendly, consistent, and beautiful scenery. More exposed on the East Coast so more consistent than town. Rocky base holds the sand so most consistent surf in Gizzy | Lots of exposed rock to get out over at low tide on some parts of the beach. Doesn't hold big surf very well |
Visit Blitz Surf Shop
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📍 34 Wainui Road, Gisborne
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📞 (06) 868 4428
We’ve got everything you need for the competition weekend — surfboards, wetsuits, surf accessories, clothing, sunscreen, wax, local knowledge and deals galore! Drop in, say hi, and let us point you in the right direction for waves, food, or family fun.
Final Thoughts
The NZ Primary School Surfing Champs 2025 in Gisborne are shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend. Between the waves, the skate park, the pump track, and the local food, there’s plenty for kids and families to enjoy.
And don’t forget — while you’re here, grab unbeatable bargains at Blitz Surf Shop, stock up on surf essentials, and check our Wainui Beach live surf cam before you paddle out. We look forward to welcoming you to Gisborne!
