The two-time defending champion of the division scored 12.67 in the final at Makorori Beach in Gisborne. That meant he was edged by Raglan’s Kora Cooper (13.7) and winner Conor McLennan (15.77), from Christchurch.
In the open men’s division Brown made the semifinals, but was unable to advance to the final.
Gisborne’s Ricardo Christie claimed the open men’s title while Mount Maunganui’s Raiha Ensor won the open women’s title, both surfers winning in dramatic fashion. The final day of the event was contested in 1m waves with early offshores making way for sea breeze winds by mid-morning.
However, the waves remained good throughout the day and New Zealand’s best surfers put on a phenomenal show for the packed-out beach.
It is 13 years since Christie claimed his first title as a 16-year-old and on Saturday he had to come from behind in the last minute to clinch the win with a near perfect 9.93 ride, toppling Piha surfer Elliot Paerata-Reid.
"It’s been a long time between drinks," Christie said.
"I have done a few things between then and now but I am happy to get my name on the trophy again."
Paerata-Reid had previously led the final after posting an excellent 8.9-point ride to jump into the lead and he had one hand on the trophy until Christie stepped up with a clutch performance.
The 9.93 comprised three searing backhand turns on a lefthander.
Underdogs Levi Stewart (Waihi Beach) and Paul Moretti (Northland) finished third and fourth respectively. Ensor followed a similar path to Christie in the final, fighting back from a slow start and overcoming Gabriella Sansom (Auckland) during the latter stages of the final.
The turning point came with a 6.83-point ride that she followed up with a near perfect 9.67.
"It is such a good feeling. There were a few years in the junior divisions where I came second, third and fourth but to actually win the open division just means that much more," said Ensor in near disbelief.
"It is almost relief for finally getting one."
Ensor finished with a 16.5-point heat total to win the final and Sansom was second.
Dual finalist Elin Tawharu (Mount Maunganui) had to settle for third in the final and Saffi Vette (Gisborne) was fourth.
Piha’s Zen Wallis defended his longboard title, staving off stiff opposition from the local trio he was up against.
Wallis posted a 15.6-point heat total in the final, edging Sam Johnson by 0.20 points.
Third was Daniel Procter and Guy Burns finished fourth.
