Cory Hutchings will be surfing between coasts as he takes on a new role as lead sports advisor at Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

The former world surf lifesaving Ironman champion will step away from the surf of his hometown Gisborne to inject his wealth of knowledge into Omanu’s club, with its current coach deciding to move on.

He’s not completely departing the Hawke’s Bay however – he’ll be at Omanu for five days a week and in Gizzy local on weekends.

“I’m looking forward to the role. It’ll be a bit of travelling and will be cool being involved in the club. Omanu has so much potential with all the young ones coming through.”

Cory says he’s not an analytical person and is more hands-on.

“I don’t spend time behind computers.

“I like to be in the water, on the ocean and at the beach, and that’s the sort of thing Omanu was looking for to support the role.”

As lead sports advisor Cory says he’ll be nurturing a culture of love for the surf and enjoyment of the sport within the club.

“I think that’s important so it’s not just a chore for [the kids] training. It’s actually that they want to be a part of something bigger in future.

“The awesome thing about my job is you can get involved and have a quite a big impact on kids coming though, so you see kids grow and develop from little 10-year-olds into potential world champions. That’s a pretty stimulating thought and that’s my drug really.”

So, will Cory be torn be torn between the two coasts?

“I think most people would know when I say Gisborne has got probably the best surf in NZ so like Gisborne’s got the best surf.” But Omanu offers atmosphere.

“There’s a wicked vibe there. Everything going well I would look to move to the Mount full-time next year!”