The first round of the national surfing competition of the Tonga Surfriders Association (TSA), was held at Ha'atafu Beach, Tongatapu, on Saturday May 14.

Steve Burling reported from Ha'atafu Beach, that the competition was well supported with over 30 surfers participating in the four divisions contested, Open, Women's, Under-18 Junior Men's, and Cadets.

The Under-18 Junior Men's Division was dominated by the 2004 Junior Champion, 10-year-old Alan Burling of Ha'atafu Beach. In second place was Kalavite Lauti of Ha'afeva/Masilamea. The third and the fourth places were taken by the Thompson brothers, Flyn 15, and Noah 13.

The first place in the Under-12 Cadets was taken by Peiatau Fililava (10), of Kolovai, and in second place was Seti Burling (5), of Ha'atafu Beach.

The Girl's Division was well-contested by eight surfers. Surfing by all the girls was smooth and stylish but it was Lavinia Sunia (15), of Ha'atafu Beach who took first place. The second place went to Sonia Burling (14), of Ha'atafu Beach. Third place went to Latina Tahi (15), of 'Ahau and in fourth place was Vika Fukofuka (16), of Kolovai.

The Open division was also well contested with 15 entries. The Oceania Open Women's champion, 'Anau Burling (18), competed in this division against the men. Also competing were the two junior finalists, Kalavite and Alan Burling.

Steve reported that there were some outstanding performances as peer pressure and one-upmanship constantly raised the bar to new levels, but unfortunately interference calls resulted in the elimination of two of Tonga's best surfers, 'Oueni Mafi and Sione Kofe, both of Kanokupolu from the semi finals, and they also missed out on a place in the finals.

The first place in the Open Division was taken by 'Anau Burling (18), second place went to Popoai Soafa (21), of Kolovai; Kalavite Lauti took third place and fourth place went to Alan Burling.

The second round of the National Surfing Championship has been scheduled to be held at Ha'atafu Beach in July.

Three rounds were scheduled to be held throughout 2005.