Manu’s manu a contender at champs

Manu Reedy shows how to perform a manu, with the bomber attempting to make the highest splash...
Manu Reedy shows how to perform a manu, with the bomber attempting to make the highest splash possible for maximum points. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG
One Gore lifeguard will be looking to make a splash at the Z Manu World Championships in Auckland on Saturday.

Manu Reedy is hoping to make waves at the classic Kiwi divebomb technique.

With a natural inclination to the "manu", Mrs Reedy’s 7.4m-high bomb at the Wellington qualifier should be enough.

Mrs Reedy said her drive towards competing in the event was just about having a good time.

"Just giving it a go, really.

"I just always did with the cuzzies, the aunties and uncles, and then I was like ‘ooh, I wanna do that’ and put my name forward and boom.

"The bigger the better," she said.

PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG
PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG
Now Mrs Reedy will be looking towards this Saturday, where she will compete in Auckland with the best bombers in the country.

Mrs Reedy said she was ready for the competition but did not have any ambitions beyond just a fun day of manu excellence.

"I'm just excited to actually be in it I just do it for fun, really.

"Not in it for the money, just the fun," she said.

She said for a good manu, there was more than just the physics involved.

"I think it's the technique.

"I thought it was having a big booty, but nah, I watched this skinny little wee boy do one even bigger than mine.

"This boy was almost touching his face to his knees, and he hit 9.5m. I thought that was just awesome."

Manu Reedy is excited for the Z Manu World Championships, to be held in Auckland on Saturday,...
Manu Reedy is excited for the Z Manu World Championships, to be held in Auckland on Saturday, where she and others from around New Zealand will jump off a 5m high platform and perform the best manu they can. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG
Mrs Reedy said she was more than happy to help at the Gore Multisports Centre if anyone needed to learn.

"It's just if you want to give it a go.

"I have little kids that come in, I help them.

"They like to back slap and end up with red backs, so I say lean forward, hit with the butt not the back."

Mrs Reedy said she was excited for the competition, and expressed her feeling the manu was for everyone.

"I'm excited and happy.

"If my nana can do it, anyone can," she said.

gerrit.doppenberg@alliedpress.co.nz