Whangerai hotels may become the resting place of some international sports stars this weekend, as the Hyundai Surf Longboard Tour will be stopping in the town.

The tournament began on January 7th in Raglan then moved to Piha on January 15th to 21st for the Open, Women's Junior and Stand Up Paddle Surfing Races.

On February 3rd, the competition will land on Sandy Bay in Whangarei, with contest for both genders as well as under-18s event and categories for age groups in their 40s and 50s.

"The Sandy Bay event is a must on the longboard calendar," Surfing NZ stated. "Out of cell phone coverage, the place is tranquil and relaxing and the event has one of the best atmospheres there is."

Surfers will be on the beach all Waitangi Weekend until February 6th before they move on to Mount Maunganui for the fourth event of the tournament between February 18th and 19th.

The last place the tour will go is Port Waikato for the final stage of the content on March 2nd and 3rd.

One of the international stars in New Zealand for tournament is Taylor Jensen - Association of Surfing Professionals World Longboard Champion.

The winner of the Hyundai Tour will take home NZ$20,000 (£10,495) and Auckland surfer Thomas Kibblewhite may be getting excited as he has won the first two events in Raglan and Piha.

Book your stay at the Kingsgate Hotel Whangarei



01/02/2012