Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service has once again proven itself the team to beat, securing the top two places in this year’s 90 Mile Classic, one of surf lifesaving’s most gruelling Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) endurance events. Third place was claimed by Surf Life Saving Baylys Beach.

With this victory, Sunset Beach has now notched up nine wins across the 30 races held since the event began in 1993. A field of 32 teams competed in the race, from as far south as Sumner Surf Life Saving Club in Christchurch, including all-female crews from Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi and Bethells Beach Surf LifeSaving Patrol, and Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Shane Edwards, team captain of Sunset Beach’s race-winning crew, says the event is one he can’t stay away from.

“I first competed in 2008, and any time I get the chance to line up again, I do. It’s brutal, it’s technical, and it pushes you to your limits, but I absolutely love it. There’s no other race like it in lifesaving sport,” he says.

“There were some amazing IRB skills on display, showcasing just how much talent there is withing the surf lifesaving community.”

In 1.5-2m wave conditions, with a strong headwind coming from the southwest, the Sunset Beach crews managed to maintain their lead consistently throughout the 88-kilometre journey down the length of 90 Mile Beach, from Tiriparepa (Scott Point) in the north to Ahipara in the south.

Crews of three tackle the race in Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs), required to race through the impact zone, where waves break closest to shore. Racing in the shallows allows the IRBs to reach speeds in excess of 50 km/hr, but it also brings constant hazards — from sandbars and waves, with an ever-present risk of capsizing.

Vicki Rehu-Walker, President of Far North Surf Rescue, which organises the race, says hosting the event is a source of immense pride for the club.

“The 90 Mile Classic is unique, and it’s an honour to welcome crews from across the country to our rohe. IRBs are at the heart of what lifeguards do: they’re critical rescue tools and this race really shows off the skill and teamwork needed to operate them in tough conditions,” she says.

The endurance test goes well beyond simply racing the surf. Along the course, crews must complete a series of physical and technical challenges that reflect real-life rescue conditions.

At Matapia Island, approximately 15km into the race, crews navigate their way safely out of the impact zone and around the island by IRB, before returning inshore to continue their race south. At the next stop, Te Wakatehaua Island (The Bluff), crews beach their IRBs on the northern shores of the spit, and carry their boats approximately 200 metres south before relaunching.

At Hukatere Hill, one crew member from each crew runs 3km inland to summit the steep dune before rejoining their team, heading south to the final rally point at Waipapakauri. There, crews beach their IRBs, remove the outboard motor, and must carry it up the beach, swap it for another engine, carry it back to their IRB and attach it, before continuing their final leg to the finish at Ahipara.

At each stage, competitors collect tags to prove they have completed the task, which must be presented at the finish line in Ahipara.

Behind every racing team is a dedicated support crew, following their lifeguards the full length of the beach. This year, around 35 Toyota Hilux vehicles once again provided the muscle to keep crews supplied and supported through the day, with the event receiving support from Toyota Financial Services.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region General Manager Zac Franich says that, ultimately, the race is about building and demonstrating critical lifesaving skills.

“There’s no prize money or trophy for winning this race. The 90 Mile Classic is about showcasing the incredible skill and endurance of IRB crews, and celebrating the volunteer surf lifeguards who dedicate themselves to keeping New Zealand’s beaches safe.”

The risks are very real. Each year boats are forced to withdraw due to capsizes, flooded engines, or injury. But the event also reflects the lifesaving reality lifeguards face every summer: IRBs were used in 47% of all rescues nationwide last season, with surf lifeguards saving 726 lives in total.

The 90 Mile Classic is as much about teamwork and resilience as speed, and this year’s race once again highlighted the commitment, courage, and tenacity of New Zealand’s volunteer surf lifeguards.