A blustery nor-easterly with 20 knot winds welcomed 500 competitors in Race 13 of the Takapuna State Beach Series. A high tide and strong headwinds made it challenging for the competitors in each of the events.
Annabel Anderson dominated the field in the women's 3km Stand up paddleboard race. The world number 2 made it look easy as she crossed the line in 18" 20".
NZ Olympic Windsurfer JP Tobin paddled tactically to overcome the conditions taking out 1st place in 18m 02", Jeremy Stevenson wasn't far off finishing second with Troy Mcasey back in third.
Tara La Grange didn't miss a beat this week, making this her 13th win of the series. La Grange finished comfortably in 20m 28" with Leslie Ryan in second followed by Grace Mason in third.
In the men's 5km run Nick Sutherland dropped two places this week finishing third behind Finn Mason and Cam Bennetts. Bennetts thrived in the soft sand making this his third win of the series finishing in 18m 14".
Jackson Cropp powered through the choppy seas and swirling winds in the 1km swim to backup his win from last week finishing in 12m 20". Sean Newcombe was second up the beach followed by NZ triathlete Torenzon Bozone. In the women's event Johanna O'Connor secured her second win of the series completing the race in 12m 44". Danielle McKenzie came in second while Nicole Rosewarne finished third.
In the 5km Surf Ski paddle Tim Mclaren took out the men's event while Dene Simpson won the women's race.