Near perfect conditions on Takapuna Beach saw over 500 competitors hit the sand and sea for Race 3 of the State Beach Series.
Coming off the back of his 3rd in the State Harbour Crossing on Sunday, Steven Kent's kilometre swim was more of a "hit out" as he again led the field home, a second ahead of Shore swimmer Jackson Cropp who swam strongly to stay with him. Despite the close race, Kent always looked in control and said "it was about just doing enough to win" after the strenuous race on Sunday. New Zealand Surf Lifesaving team member Kirsty Wannan led the women's race home for her second consecutive win.
Cam Bennetts was first home in the 5km beach run, his second win making him the leading runner of the series. Teenager Finn Mason was hot on his heels and has now finished in the top three in each of the races while half marathon runner Tara Le Grange made it 3 from 3 in the women's event.
It was a three way battle in the 5km Surf Ski Paddle as competitors battled head winds on a return leg of the course. There was no respite for the paddlers but Steven Ferguson mastered the conditions to lead the field in ahead of fellow Olympian Ben Fouhy and NZ paddler Travis Mitchell.
