Some of you have missed the point of the controlled one beach contest that I have been mentioning. It is one way to give everyone an even chance. Skills, knowlege, adaptation, the ability to read your water, bait selection, tackle selection and rig selection will be very important if you want success. The beach could be 90 mile or Henderson or Tokerau in the north or Whirinaki, Foxton or Ocean Beach in the southern NI. In a time of extreme weather it could be in a sheltered harbour where there is access to enough water. Kaimaumau and Ohiwa come to mind. It could be in big surf (we are surfcasters after all)or in calm conditions. You will need to research and prepare if you want to do any good. Anyway I would just like those who think that they may be excluded from the rocks at the bottom of the cliff take another look at the above as PART of the contest.
The other part can be open to a section of coast that is appropriate. It should be only held where there is public access by car or walking. It could include rock fishing although some areas are devoid of rocks within a decent driving distance. Hawkes Bay based in Napier has few rocks within an hour drive. Foxton coast has none, Gisborne has plenty as does Opotiki and Auckland. It will just depend where the base is. Boat access is not appropriate and should be left with the boat fishing section. Two such days in the National event caters for everyone. If you are only adept at one style of fishing then you will need to make the most of that one day. With equal points available for both days regardless of wether you have different species each day it will sort out the most adaptable and skillfull surfcaster right?
Add in casting points (same for everyone) and you will come out with a worthy New Zealand Champion.

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By the way for those who do not know me I was the guy dropping into unfished ledges in the far north on long ropes and carting burley and gear to places where few had ever fished back in the 1970s and 80s. We caught big kingfish and sharks and opened up the LBG scene at that time. Many of you would have used the concrete rod holders that we put in then at popular spots. A lot of that fishing is beyond me now but I do have some fishing skills that allow me to compete in open competition. All I ask is for a level playing field.
Gary Kemsley