2 Jun 2009

Surfer dies after collision off Wellington coast

7:31 pm on 2 June 2009

A man is dead after two surfers collided while riding the waves at a Wellington beach.

Police say Tony Costa, 33, of Palmerston North, died at the scene after crashing into another unidentified surfer in Lyall Bay on Monday afternoon.

Police say a post mortem has confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. Interviews with witnesses are due to be completed on Wednesday.

Lyall Bay Surf and Rescue Club president Martin Robinson says the bay was not very crowded as conditions were windy and choppy on Monday.

Mr Robinson says it is harder for surfers to see each other in rough weather, but collisions are rare.