Our Story
Seaton and Hiria Rolleston are two of Mount Maunganui’s most experienced stand up paddle boarders and coaches. Their commitment is such that they were named ‘ambassadors’ for a leading Hawaiian brand of stand up paddle board. As local Maori (Tauranga Moana & Te Tairawhiti) they bring a strong cultural perspective to a sport with proud Hawaiian roots.
Seaton was born in Tauranga and grew up in and around the water. He was a competitive swimmer and surf lifesaver at Omanu Surf Club. Seaton charges hard in the waves, a master of paddle technique. He has competed in the Hyundai Longboarding Competition (SUP division). His latest focus is distance paddling.
Hiria, a former phys-ed teacher (Bachelor of Recreation and Sport), moved to Tauranga Moana in 2000, the year her romance with both Seaton and the ocean began. Since then, she’s spent much of her spare time paddling the pristine waters of the Bay. If you’re up early enough you’ll catch her taking a leisurely paddle around Mauao (the Mount) or Motuotau (Rabbit Island). You’ll also spot Hiria surfing her mal, with instantly recognisable grace and poise. She also carves the surf on a high performance C4 nine foot stand up paddle board.
Seaton and Hiria have had a long association with Hoe Aroha, a local waka ama (outrigger) Club.
Seaton and Hiria now have a new babygirl, Hinewairere. Their legacy to her is that she grows up loving the local waters as much as they do.
Grant is a veteran surfer who began riding kneeboards as a teen in Wellington in the 70’s, before graduating to big point and reef waves on the wild Wairarapa Coast. As a member of the Hong Kong Surf Club in the 80’s, he’s credited with helping discover some new surf breaks in Chinese waters. A long time journalist, he co-authored New Zealand Surfers (Penguin), a book which profiled Kiwi surfers. Grant also wrote an ‘insider’s’ guide book, The Best of Tauranga. He admits his longboard’s gathered dust since taking up stand up paddle boarding several years ago. Grant now owns a small quiver of SUP boards.
At East Coast Paddler we have a passion for the ocean, our local history and area. We hope to share this with people through Stand Up Paddling. ECP is also committed to fostering the positive culture of SUP as a lifestyle and sport, and to honour its Polynesian roots.
