Eastern Bay surfer Tai Murphy is in the Bay Boardriders team representing New Zealand at the World Club Surfing Championships on the Gold Coast next week.

After winning the NZ Club championships for consecutive years, Bay Boardriders is again representing New Zealand at the World Club Surfing Championships at Snapper Rocks  over three days next weekend.

This year’s contest features 48 clubs from around the world, including Hawaii, the US, UK, Bali, Japan, Tahiti, and New Zealand. They will be up against some of the world’s best surfers – including the GOAT - Kelly Slater, CJ Hobgood, Damien Hobgood, Sebastian Zietz, Brett Simpson, Ezekiel Lau, Michel Bourez and more.

The Bay Boadriders team comprises three open men’s surfers and a woman – Alex Dive, Luke Griffin, Murphy, and Hinako Kurokawa (female). Also travelling is Owen Barnes (coach), Bruce Tod (manager), James Jacobs (president).  

“It’s a massive advantage for us to be heading back to this event in consecutive years, even if the team has changed,” said Jacobs.

“Owen and I learned a huge amount from last year and we’ve got a heap of ideas on how to improve our performance this time around.”

The team said the trip was made possible, thanks to their sponsors.