Sunshine Shield Debuts — Bay Boardriders Take on East Coast

The inaugural Sunshine Shield — surfing's answer to rugby's Ranfurly Shield — was held in November 2025, with Bay Boardriders taking on East Coast Surfriders for the first-ever shield.

The concept pits twenty surfers per club against each other, spanning every age group from under-14s to over-50s. It's a true test of club depth, requiring strength across all divisions.

The day saw competitive surfing in fun conditions, with both clubs bringing strong teams. The format created an incredible atmosphere and cemented the Sunshine Shield as a new fixture on the New Zealand surfing calendar.

Having twenty surfers per team means everyone contributes — it's not just about the top guys, it's a true measure of the full club.