Pāpāmoa Beach turned on another day sunshine for Day Two of Oceans ’26, with playful but testing surf providing just enough challenge on the way out and a welcome push home for competitors.

The morning began with one of the most anticipated team events of the carnival, as 94 teams of four took over the shoreline for the 2km relay. Each athlete completed legs of 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m respectively, creating an exciting showcase of endurance, teamwork and club pride.

Board racing then took centre stage across all age groups, progressing through to finals before the U14 Board Rescue events showed the technical skills young athletes are developing as they aspire to become surf lifeguards.

The U12 competitors brought energy to the water in their Diamond races, combining board, swim and run disciplines in a true test of all round surf ability.

The day closed on the track with the U14 athletes contesting beach sprints and relays, finishing Day Two with fast paced racing and strong support from the sidelines.

SLSNZ GM – Sport, Zac Franich says the conditions added a bit of challenge and brought out the best of the Oceans spirit.

“We had just enough surf today to test the athletes on the way out and reward them on the way home. The 2km relay in particular showed the strength of teamwork across clubs.

What’s special about Oceans is seeing young people from all parts of the country come together, race hard, then head back to the sand as mates. That connection is just as important as the competition, that’s what it’s all about.”

National Events Manager Luke Smith says the depth across disciplines continues to stand out.

“From relays to board rescues and beach sprints, today showed the range of skills these young athletes are building. Oceans is about growing confident, capable surf athletes and future lifeguards, and it’s great to see that development happening across every age group.”

Day two gold medallists represented clubs from across the country, including Maranui, Midway, Red Beach, South Brighton and Whangamatā surf lifesaving clubs.

With racing continuing through to Sunday, Oceans ’26 remains a celebration of junior surf lifesaving, bringing together clubs from across Aotearoa while building the next generation of surf lifeguards for our beaches.