“The world’s best surfers are coming here, and they’re coming to one of the most iconic waves on the planet. It’s incredibly special.”
A global event years in the making
The event officially begins on Friday, after a practice day on Thursday, but Raglan locals are likely to spot famous faces in the water well before that.
Kennings said some may have arrived up to seven days before competition “just getting time in the water and adjusting”.
Apart from three‑time world champion John John Florence, who has taken the season off, every major star on the World Surf League tour is expected to compete.
“These are the best surfers in the world, the people you watch on TV, the people kids grow up idolising,” Kennings said.
“To have them here, surfing Manu Bay, is phenomenal.”
New Zealand talent takes on elite
Adding to the excitement is a strong local representation.
New Zealand has been allocated wildcard spots for the event, and those have been claimed by two surfers in scintillating form.
Tom Butlin of Taranaki secured his place after winning the Backdoor King of the Point event, while Alani Morse, just 15 years old and from Raglan, claimed the Queen of the Point title to earn her wildcard.
They will line up alongside Billy Stairmand, a two‑time Olympian and the country’s highest‑ranked surfer on the Challenger Series.
“For Alani especially, this is something truly special,” Kennings said.
Alani Morse and Tom Butland won the Queen and King of the Point titles and will surf in the Championship Tour event in Raglan. Photo / PhotoCPL, Surfing NZ
“She knows that wave better than almost anyone, and her performances just keep improving.
“She’s young, fearless and extremely talented and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the world’s best are a little nervous facing her.”
Managing the crowds
With global interest comes a logistical challenge, and organisers have worked to put a comprehensive transport and parking plan in place to handle the expected influx safely and efficiently.
Limited space at Manu Bay means there is no spectator parking at the surf break.
Instead, everyone attending will be required to park at the Raglan airfield, from where a dedicated shuttle service will operate throughout the event.
“[We’ve] created a system similar to what’s used during the Soundsplash Festival,” Kennings said.
Alani Morse, 15, won the Queen of the Point title and a World Surf League wildcard. Photo / PhotoCPL, Surfing NZ
From the airfield, a fleet of about 50 buses will transport spectators to and from Manu Bay daily.
Roads to Manu Bay will be closed on competition days, but will reopen on lay days when surfing conditions prevent competition.
While the event itself is free to attend at Manu Bay, spectators will need to cover transport costs.
Bus tickets are $10 per day for a return trip, or $50 for a festival transport pass, which covers the entire 10 days.
“Surfing events around the world are free to attend, and we want to keep that tradition while covering transport costs.”
For Raglan, the event is about more than competition results.
It marks a moment when the town’s deep surf culture, history and global reputation converge.
“This is international sport on our doorstep,” Kennings said.
“Kids will be watching people they normally only see online or on TV, surfing waves they’ve grown up riding themselves. That’s powerful.”
Graeme “Mintie” Mead is a sports commentator, the host of the radio show Waikato All Sports Breakfast and a Newstalk ZB overnight host. He is also a councillor on the Hamilton City Council.