|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Now that the NFL’s Super Bowl is over, the world’s next biggest sporting event is about to kick off in Auckland.
The Z Manu World Champs have been travelling the country over summer with eight official qualifier locations in Auckland, Tauranga, Hastings, Nelson, Whangārei, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch.
More than 1000 competitors have taken the plunge at regional qualifiers, with 90 securing their place in the highly anticipated grand final on March 1.
Auckland plays host to two super qualifiers, setting the stage for an epic final.
A specially constructed seven-metre platform has been installed at Karanga Plaza in the Viaduct Harbour, with the Z Manu World Champs promising some spectacular water action as part of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival.
Forty people will be found to represent Auckland when 130 finalists compete at the grand final.
The purpose-built platform stands 19-metres wide by seven-metres high.
It sits atop a floating pontoon and features platforms from two-metre to five-metre to accommodate different divisions within the competition – traditional Manu (v shaped), Freestyle – and Adults, Kids and Youth.
Event organiser Scott Rice is excited about what’s to come.
“The energy and skill we’ve seen across the country have been next level,” he says.
“Now it’s Auckland’s turn! It’s going to be a great few weekends on the water and it’s fantastic to be part of Moana Auckland.”
A big screen will enable replays, scores, leader boards and more for the crowd.
‘ManuTech’ will be used to measure splash height whilst an underwater microphone will measure its “pop”.
A specialist judging panel will be introduced for the grand final to award creativity points.
The competition has already drawn major sporting figures.
Olympians Sam Tanner and Julian David along with former All Black Piri Weepu have tested their Manu skills at regional qualifiers.
In addition to the main competition, Push Play sessions will be held from 1pm-2.15pm on qualifier days.
It’s a free opportunity for everyone to get a taste of the Manu experience and take a leap off the platform themselves.
Thousands of spectators attended the Z Manu World Champs last year.
“Competition will be fierce with some finalists looking to defend titles from last year, others challenging and some competing for the first time,” Rice says.
There are still spaces available on the second qualifying weekend on February 22-23 for those interested to take part.
Go online to www.manuworldchamps.com for details.
