Thousands lined the cliffs and shoreline at Manu Bay on Monday as the inaugural wrapped up in memorable fashion, with world-class waves, emotional victories, and a brief sea life scare interrupting finals day action.
Competition was temporarily halted during the men’s semifinal between Yago Dora and Ítalo Ferreira after veteran WSL water photographer Ed Sloane was bitten on the foot by unidentified sea life while shooting in the lineup.
World Surf League officials activated a “Code Red” response, with Sloane treated for puncture wounds before being transported to hospital in a stable condition. Officials later said the animal may have been a seal or sevengill shark. Competition resumed shortly after 1pm following wildlife surveillance checks involving jetskis, drones and spotters.
Once the contest restarted, Manu Bay turned on some of the best waves of the event window, with clean four-to-five-foot lefthanders delivering an epic finish to the first-ever Championship Tour event held on New Zealand shores.
Five-time World Champion Carissa Moore claimed an emotional victory in the women’s final, defeating rising American surfer Sawyer Lindblad to secure her first Championship Tour win since becoming a mother.
“This is for the moms, never stop dreaming if you want to,” Moore said after the win.
Moore also reflected on the atmosphere in Whāingaroa, saying “the love and the energy and the mana in this place are indescribable and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Brazil’s Ítalo Ferreira then defeated Australia’s Morgan Cibilic in the men’s final to claim his 11th Championship Tour victory and reclaim the World No. 1 ranking. Ferreira, who also recently became a parent, credited “dad’s power” for motivating his campaign.
The event also delivered a proud moment for local surfing, with Raglan’s Billy Stairmand and teenage wildcard Alani Morse competing alongside the world’s best in front of packed local crowds.
While the event showcased elite surfing on a global stage, many locals felt the spirit of manaakitanga ultimately defined the event – with residents welcoming visitors into the community and crowds rallying around athletes, and each other, through changing conditions and unexpected moments.
