OCEAN ATHLETES

Surf Club has dominated the Muru's lives since arriving back in New Zealand. Ngahuia and Paraone have been training since January competing in local and regional carnivals culminating in Ocean Athletes the Junior Surf Nationals which only Paraone was old enough for. The team over all performed well reaching many finals and semi's.Paraone had team success in the 10 Yr mixed beach relays picking up a bronze and personal success with a silver in beach flags. Well Done P. Ngahuia can't wait to compete next year.

The 2008 Junior Surf Club Whanau

One of the many days spent on the beach training for Ocean Athletes - We Love It!!!
The 2 Whakatane finalists in the flags competition. Hugo Brown and ParaoneOne his way to silver in the flags. Paraone shows great technique while diving for the flag.

Battling to stay alive in the last 3 of the final. Fortunately Paraone had the stronger position.

After 2 days of competing against over 150 boys in the flags arena it was down to the last 2. One boy representing Omanu and Paraone for Whakatane both wanting the title of the best 10 year old boy in beach flags.

Unfortunately Paraone missed out on the gold (this time) but everyone in the club was proud of his silver medal (especially his Mum and Dad)

Paraone in his sprint heats

Paraone bringing it home for a bronze medal in the 10 yr mixed relay.

The competitors and coach all decked out in their shirts, caps and lava-lavaParaone with World Surf life Saving Ironman champion Cory HutchingsSome of the Cadets Cameron team - Lucas, Shontaye, Rebecca, Alex, Ryan and Brad

WHALE ISLAND TOUR

The Murus went on a cool trip out to Whale Island just off the coast (4km) of Whakatane. The trip was organised by one of Grant's colleagues Mark Hanlon. The boat was skippered by a friend of Mark's Tomo and his girlfriend Jules. The trip took about an hour to where the anchor was dropped in a perfectly sheltered bay on the southern side of the island. As well as friends and family they had the pleasure of taking along 2 teachers visiting Ohope on a 2 week exchange from Lark Rise school in Dunstable the one Ngahuia attended while in the UK. They all had a great time swimming with the seals, sharing dinner and catching crayfish.
Leaving the wharf at Whakatane with friends, family and 2 foreigners from DunstableThe Hanlons - Mark (my Maori), Karen and Boogie (aka Kaleb)
Liam and Paraone swimming out to the seals
Ngahuia and friend Brookie with the two visiting teachers from Ngahuia's school in Dunstable -Lark Rise.

Liam with the catch of the day a pack horse crayfish.