It was a miserable evening on Race 15 of the Takapuna State Beach Series. Cool 20- knot Sou'easterly breezes and stormy grey clouds made it unpleasant for the competitors and supporters on Tuesday night.
The windy conditions and strong sea currents made it difficult for both paddlers and swimmers.
In the men's 1.5km swim, Olympic hopeful Steven Kent was first into the water as he battled against the tide on the first leg. Kent broke away quickly from the bunch on the homeward straight crossing the line in 17m 12", ahead of Axel Wholfarth who placed second while Sean Newcombe finished third.
A better week this time around for Kirsty Wannan who mastered the conditions, swimming home comfortably in 17m 47".
Dene Simpson maintained her winning position taking out the women 5km Surf Ski Paddle event in 30m 48". While Tracey Wilson finished second with Rachael Dodwell back in third. In the Men's, NZ canoeist Steven Ferguson paddled a great race to finish in a quick time of 27m 35".
In the other paddle event World number 5, Jeremy Stephenson battled his way through the competition in the 3km Stand Up Paddle Board race. Tobin and Mcasey both pressured Stephenson on the final leg but the highly ranked boarder kept his composure to win in 19m 18", followed by JP Tobin with Troy Mcasey back in third.
Tara La Grange and Finn Mason won their events in the 5km Beach Run.