Hyundai hits the waves at Nationals

14 December 2006
Immediate release

Hyundai hits the waves at Nationals

The deep solid swells off the Taranaki coast will form the stage for some enthralling action at this year’s Hyundai National Surfing Championships.

Hyundai have re-iterated its commitment to Kiwi surfing by sponsoring the Nationals for the second year, building on the ever growing interest in the popular action sport.

The event will be held over eight days from January 13 to 20, and spectator interest is expected to be high on the crowd-friendly Taranaki coast.

The momentum for Hyundai’s association with surfing was carried on from last year’s sponsorship, with the advertisement for the new Santa Fe. In the advertisement voted “most popular” by Fair Go viewers, a toddler grabs his board, his girlfriend and heads west to go surfing.

The talent at this year’s competition promises to be considerably more mature than Hyundai’s toddler, representing the elite of New Zealand’s surfing population.

The Hyundai National Champs are expected to attract over 300 entries on a piece of coastline regarded as the premium spot for heavy, consistent swells offering a variety of breaks and promising sustained surf action for spectators.

Interest will be high in the performance of riders such as Gisborne’s Maz Quinn who is aiming to join Wayne Parkes and Ian Buchanan by winning five national titles. Securing a title in Taranaki has remained elusive for this world class surfer who rates Taranaki’s Stent Road as one of his favourite waves in the country.

The line up will be completed with competition in the women and long-boarders divisions. Michael Fitzharris from Gisborne dominated the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour last year. As defending champion he faces greater competition at the Nationals with higher numbers than ever before competing for his crown, especially with the 12 month use of a car up for grabs again this year!

Woman’s champ from Gisborne, Lisa Hurunui will also be defending her title and returns to New Zealand after several years on the world pro circuit. An under 18s junior men’s section also promises to showcase the up and coming talent being developed on New Zealand shores from Dunedin to Ahipara.

Hyundai Managing Director, Philip Eustace says the event is well suited to the young, active image Hyundai has as a company, and the appeal its SUV vehicles hold to surfers, old and young.

“We captured something of that youthful, adventurous nature in our Santa Fe advertisement. Sponsoring the Nationals is a case of making it a reality and supporting a popular sport that is rising rapidly in appeal, a lot like the Hyundai brand.”

He says the eyes of the New Zealand surfing community will be on Taranaki over the summer, and it comes as no surprise Hyundai should decide to be back in the thick of the surf action.

Ends

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