Kneeboarding: Top performances in South Africa for NZ kneeboarders

Alana Anderson

As the New Zealand team have now all arrived back in NZ, we reflect on how well our Kiwi team performed at the Kneeboarding World Titles in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

The event ran over six days from Monday 19th August to Saturday 24th being finals day.

Lower Point waves ranged from 4-10ft over the week with conditions ranging from challenging sweeping rips to absolute perfection. Such is the nature of this iconic break.

Dolphins also joined in on the fun. A record number of contestants represented by 11
different countries provided a high level of competition.

The Kiwi contingent of Josh Christophers, Hamish Christophers, Paul Christophers, Murray Weir (Manager), Kelvin Weir (Captain), Jason Farquhar, Maukino Skelton, Jason Revis & Cameron Stanley (Coach) represented NZ extremely well with one of the best World Title results yet bringing home six trophies.

Hamish (41) dominated his way through the rounds making the semi finals taking out multiple world champion Simon Farrer along the way. His outstanding performance was recognised across the world qualifying him for the first Professional Kneeboarding event taking place in Taranaki in March 2026.

The contest will host 20 of the best Kneelo surfers from across the world and be livestreamed for all to watch globally. Sponsorship will be available to highlight businesses and will showcase our sport.

Hamish Christophers – 3rd Open & 1st in Masters
Murray Weir – 2nd Invincibles
Paul Christophers – 3rd Invincibles
Jason Farquhar – 4th Seniors
Maukino Skelton – 4th Pro Juniors
NZ also placed 4th in the teams event held mid-week.

Hamish was the nominated power surfer scoring a 7.5 ride providing 15 points to the team result.

Congratulations to the Open winner Chayne Simpson (Aus), second place Albert Munoz (Aus), third Hamish Christophers and fourth Karl Ward (GB).

The Opunake Kneeboard Surf Contest will be held on 22-24th November 2024 which will be the first qualifying event for the World Titles in 2026.

We eagerly await the announcement in November of the next hosting country. Once again we would like to thank KSNZ, NZ Surfing and the Toi Foundation in assisting the team travelling to South Africa. The team are also thankful and appreciative for the travelling and online supporters.

The opportunity to travel with such a successful team was an amazing experience for everyone involved.