Surfers and city ride on success of championships

Taranaki’s Daniel Farr gets some air while competing at the national championships in Dunedin last week. The week-long event attracted 174 competitors from across New Zealand.

About 130 of them were from outside the region. Based on the an average spend of $150 a day, the event was a $400,000 boost to the local economy.

A spokesman said the championships ran smoothly. Dunedin was chosen for the consistency of its surf but some high winds provided a bit "too much surf at times".

"Surfers love coming down to Dunedin and exploring the coastline. Participants usually make a road trip out of it and check out much more than just St Clair Beach."

"Many participants and supporters also relished the opportunity to hang out at the South Coast Boardriders clubrooms as not all clubs around the country have the luxury of clubrooms right on the beach."