Waihī Beach is welcoming back one of its own as Libby Bradley, a former junior surf lifesaving member, returns on February 8 to compete in the prestigious Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Series with the Oar Blacks.

Bradley’s journey in surf lifesaving began at Waihī Beach, where she excelled as a junior member, earning Club Member of the Year honours for five consecutive years from 2006 to 2011.

She displayed her exceptional talent at the Oceans Athletes Championships, winning multiple medals across multiple years, including a gold in Beach Flags in 2010.

After her early success at Waihī Beach, Bradley moved to Mount Maunganui, where she continued her surf lifesaving development with the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service and earned her qualification as a surf lifeguard. Her dedication led to her selection for the Junior Black Fins, and she represented New Zealand at the 2016 Lifesaving World Championships in the Netherlands.

Libby Bradley competed in the Ocean Athletes, in 2009 with the U11 3rd flags, 2010 with the U11 flags, and in 2011 with the U12 2nd sprints. Photo/Supplied.

In 2017, Bradley made her debut with the New Zealand Open Team at the Sanyo Cup in Japan. She later competed with the New Zealand Youth Team at the DHL International Surf Rescue Challenge in Mount Maunganui, racing alongside her sister, Tessa, another former Waihī Beach lifeguard.

In 2019, Bradley returned to Japan for the Sanyo Cup with the Open Team, followed by participation in the German and Orange Cups in Germany later that year.

Bradley also gained international experience in surf boat rowing, joining the Currumbin Surf Lifesaving Club in Australia at the end of 2019. There, she learned the art of rowing surf boats, though her competitive plans were interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

After returning to New Zealand in 2024, Libby resumed competition, winning the Open Women’s Surf Team Race at Surf Lifesaving New Zealand’s National Championships and racing for Piha at the AON New Zealand National Pool Championships. She then moved to Red Beach, where she now rows surf boats.

Libby Bradley competing with her team. Photo/Supplied.

Bradley is especially excited for this weekend’s event, where she will race against the Currumbin Cockatoos, the Australian Open Women’s Crew, in the Trans-Tasman Series.

Their sweep was Libby’s own when she rowed at Currumbin.

“I am super excited to be back at Waihī Beach, racing for NZ with my crew,” Bradley said. “Surf lifesaving has played such an important part in my life, and I’m grateful to still be involved. Big thanks to Red Beach!”

As part of the Oar Blacks, Bradley’s return to Waihī Beach this weekend will serve as an inspiration to current club members, many of whom attend Katikati College, the same school Bradley attended.

Her journey from local rookie to international competitor demonstrates the opportunities that surf lifesaving offers and highlights the strong community at Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

The Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Series promises to be an exciting showcase of elite surf boat racing, featuring top crews from both New Zealand and Australia.

The public is encouraged to come along to cheer on Bradley and all the competitors as they demonstrate their skills in this thrilling sport.

Event Details: Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Series February 8, 2025, at Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Opening ceremony at 8am, racing starts at 8.45am.