Taryn Banks competed on the weekend at the Surf Lifesaving NZ National Championships held at Mt Maunganui, against the best talent from around NZ. Her team claimed the Gold Medal, placing them 1st in NZ for U19 Women LC Surf Canoe racing.

The surf conditions were very challenging but with an incredible textbook performance of strong determination and talent in the LC final Taryn's team smashed through the surf to claim the Number 1 title "NZ National Champions" and gold medalists, placing them 1st in NZ for U19 Woman LC Surf Canoe racing.

In the SC final and so close to the finish a second chance at gold was dashed when a rogue wave smashed the canoe spinning it sideways throwing Taryn clear and leaving the rest of the crew to bring it home to claim 3rd place on the podium and the Bronze Medal. Placing them 3rd in NZ for U19 Woman SC Surf Canoe racing.

Well done to Taryn and her team. This is an outstanding achievement.