National Success at Waikanae Beach for OBHS Student

By OBHS | Posted: Thursday April 2, 2026

Otago Boys’ High School is proud to celebrate the outstanding national success of Year 13 student James Henderson, who recently claimed a national title at the 2026 IRB National Championships in Gisborne.

James competed in the Men’s Under 19 Tube Rescue event, representing St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club, alongside teammate and OBHS Old Boy Jackson Boyd.

Competing against the country’s top young surf lifesaving athletes, the pair delivered a series of composed and high-quality performances throughout the championship.

They progressed confidently through the quarter-final and semi-final rounds, qualifying for the final as leading contenders. In the national final, the pressure was high and the conditions were particularly challenging, with a strong cross-current running across the beach and surf zone, making the swim leg technically demanding.

The pair executed a faultless beach and boat phase, positioning James well for his swim. Despite the difficult conditions and the closeness of the racing across the field, James produced an exceptional swim, navigating the current, securing his patient, and powering back through the surf.

His performance brought the crew into first position at the changeover, a lead they maintained through the return leg to secure the national title.

IRB racing is a demanding discipline requiring high levels of fitness, surf awareness, teamwork, and composure under pressure. James’s ability to perform at his best on the national stage reflects both his commitment to the sport and the values of perseverance and excellence promoted at OBHS.

Congratulations to James on this outstanding achievement, and on representing both St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club and Otago Boys’ High School with pride. We also acknowledge the continued success of OBHS Old Boys within surf lifesaving, highlighted by Jackson Boyd’s involvement in this national victory.

Image Gallery