To raise funds for Christchurch, Bondi local, Pat Byrnes organised a fundraiser teams event…

Good show of support for the cause on the day.

Although the media has more recently been preoccupied with the Japanese Earthquake/Tsunami tragedy, it’s important to remember that our friends across the Tasman, in New Zealand, are still recovering from the 6.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck in late February.
In an effort to raise funds for the citizens of Christchurch, Bondi local, Pat Byrnes organised a fundraiser teams event in association with the Bondi Board Riders. Pat, a former east coast New Zealand surfer, suggested that in addition to the massive destruction to homes and infrastructure in Christchurch, the water and the waves in the region have also been affected. “ The earthquake ruptured major sewage pipes and caused raw effluent to flow into the ocean. Last week the waves were pumping but no one could surf because the water is still too polluted.”

Bondi lifeguard Aaron Graham blitzing off the top.

Bondi has always had a strong New Zealand presence within its community and Pat was determined to provide financial assistance to the East Coasters who are struggling to rebuild their lives. The event attracted eight different teams who competed under a six-man tag team format. Although the swell was small, a consistent right-hand rip bowl and unseasonably warm water, made conditions ideal for the charity event. Led by the magazine’s editor, Luke Kennedy, the Tracks team claimed victory in the first round and moved to the finals as underdog favourites against the highly fancied but slightly under strength Bondi Lifeguard team. Despite starting strongly, the Lifeguards made too many mistakes while surfing under the unforgiving tag-team format. Ironically the team almost had to abandon their campaign, as two swimmers got in to trouble mid-way through the final. Fortunately the situation was resolved by one of the other competitors. Meanwhile team Tracks cruised to victory with local junior ring in, Ben Fitzgerald a stand out performer. Final surfer, Eamon Lawler was equally impressive, swapping a son under each arm for a singlet, and delicately negotiating a backwashy right to secure victory.        
The event was capped off in classic kiwi style, with a 20 strong Maori group performing a series of traditional hakas at the after party.

Tracks editor, Luke ‘Bubba’ Kennedy, leading his team to victory.

Dunstan Foss flosses the Bondi lip line with dental precision.

Eamon Lawler swapped his kid for a singlet and helped Tracks claim victory.

Brett Anderson doing his bit in the lip for team Tracks.

Handy hacker, Bondi boy, Ben Fitzgerald.