Oceans ’26 wrapped up at Pāpāmoa Beach today, concluding four days of junior surf lifesaving that brought together more than 700 young athletes and their families from across Aotearoa.

Held from 19 to 22 February, New Zealand’s largest junior surf lifesaving carnival delivered more than 4,300 race entries across individual and team events, highlighting the scale and depth of emerging life guards across the country.

The final day saw Individual Diamond finals completed across all age groups, combining run, swim and board disciplines in a true test of all round surf ability.

A total of 110 six person teams then lined up for the Grand Cameron Relay, one of the most anticipated events of the carnival. Featuring a run leg, two swim legs, two board legs and a final sprint to the finish, the relay showcased teamwork, endurance and club pride in front of a large crowd of whānau and supporters.

Across four days of competition, individual divisions regularly attracted between 70 and 100 competitors, with standout fields including 117 athletes in the U12 Male Run Swim Run and 108 in the U14 Female Surf Race. Team events were equally competitive, with 92 teams contesting the Mixed 2km Beach Relay and 90 teams lining up in the U13–14 Female Board Rescue.

Several clubs featured prominently across the carnival, with Pāpāmoa, East End, Omanu, Waihi Beach and Mount Maunganui delivering multiple gold medal performances across individual and team events. Standout individual athletes included Amelia McEwan of Mount Maunganui, Luke Mottern of East End, Caleb McLean of Pāpāmoa, Willa Hammond of Omanu and Chloe Gant of Waihi Beach, each claiming multiple titles across surf, board and beach disciplines.

SLSNZ GM – Sport Zac Franich says Oceans continues to be about more than just results.

“Oceans is where we see our future volunteer lifeguards coming through. Over four days we’ve watched young people challenge themselves in the surf, support one another on the sand and create friendships with athletes from all parts of the country. That camaraderie is just as important as any medal.”

Whether it was completing every race, making a final or earning a medal, each achievement reflects months of preparation and the dedication of coaches, clubs and families across Aotearoa.

National Events Manager Luke Smith says the move to Pāpāmoa showed the strength of the surf lifesaving community.

“To relocate an event of this size just weeks out required a huge collective effort. The way our clubs, volunteers and partners stepped up shows the strength of our community. The standard of racing across the weekend has been fantastic, but it’s the spirit of the event that really stands out.”

Luke also acknowledged the volunteers who made the carnival possible.

“This event relies on officials, water safety crews, first aid teams and local support on the ground. Their commitment ensured a safe and positive experience for hundreds of families travelling from all corners of the country.”

Surf Life Saving New Zealand also acknowledges the support of Major Partners Aon, DHL, bp and Toyota Financial Services, alongside Tauranga City Council, Pāpāmoa SLSC, Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service and the many clubs who embraced the venue change from Mount Maunganui to Pāpāmoa only three weeks prior to the event.

“Pāpāmoa SLSC were outstanding hosts, with the club and wider community fully embracing New Zealand’s largest junior surf lifesaving carnival,” says Luke.

All results are available at LiveHeats.