Clear skies and calm waters greeted competitors on day three of Oceans ’26: Festival of Junior Surf Lifesaving, with Pāpāmoa Beach again delivering superb conditions for New Zealand’s largest junior surf carnival.

The glassy conditions increased the pace of water-based events, as the beach came alive with a sea of colourful club beanies, pre-race nerves and post-race celebrations. Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club continued as an outstanding host, helping maintain the relaxed, festival atmosphere that has defined the event.

Racing began with Run-Swim-Run, a core surf lifesaving discipline that also helps prepare juniors for their progression toward becoming surf lifeguards. A highlight of the event is that every participant receives a finisher’s medal, reinforcing Oceans’ focus on participation and continuous development.

This was followed by the Board Relay, with teams of three tackling a demanding course in calm but energy-sapping conditions. Composite teams again ensured as many competitors as possible could take part, racing alongside peers from other clubs and building connections across the country.

The action continued on the beach, with the Beach Flags events across U14, U13, U12, and U11 age categories showcasing speed, agility and some explosive energy on the sand from the young athletes.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) GM – Sport, Zac Franich says the day’s programme reflected the purpose of Oceans.

“Run-Swim-Run demonstrates a fundamental surf lifesaving skill and is a core capability for future surf lifeguards. The board relay highlights camaraderie and teamwork, while beach flags bring energy, speed and agility. These are all critical skills for patrolling New Zealand’s beaches. Congratulations to the winners and to every competitor who gave it their all today.”

National Events Manager Luke Smith says the spread of results continues to underline the strength of junior surf lifesaving nationwide.

“Gold, silver and bronze medals have again been well distributed across clubs, which speaks to the depth of talent across the country. Oceans is about bringing everyone together, and today really captured that spirit.”

Event-winning performances on day three came from clubs across New Zealand, including Piha Surf Life Saving Club, Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, Waihi Beach Lifeguard Service, Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club, host club Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club, East End Surf Life Saving Club, Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service, Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club, Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Worser Bay Life Saving Club, Whakatāne Surf Life Saving Club and Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club.

Away from the racing, competitors and families were treated to an aerial display by the RNZAF Black Falcons, adding to the festival atmosphere alongside face painting and temporary tattoos around the beach.

With strong performances, ideal conditions and a vibrant crowd, day three reinforced Oceans ’26 as a celebration of junior lifesaving sport, community and the future of surf lifesaving in New Zealand.