The first race of the 2012 season delivered warm waters and calm seas to competitors in Race 9 of the State Beach Series. The 3km Stand Up Paddle was an epic battle to the line between the two intensely competitive Troy's, Huston and McAsey. But by the slimmest of margins, it was Huston who crossed the line first, 1 second ahead of McAsey. Olympic 470 hopeful, Jo Aleh took time out from her sailing programme. She led the women's field home, 19 seconds ahead of series leader Stacey Smith.
The competition resumed between another Olympic hopeful Steven Kent and Shore youngster Jackson Cropp in the 1km ocean swim. Kent who made short work of the conditions, despite the sun strike on the homeward leg, stroking out the distance in 10m:41s, ten seconds ahead of Cropp with Sean Newcombe nine seconds back in third. Triathlete Terenzo Bozzone came home in sixth place as his training builds towards the NZ Ironman in Taupo, an event he finished second in last year. Kirsty Wannan was a clear winner in the women's race.
Steven Ferguson was in good form, dominating the 5km Surf Ski race,finishing 30s ahead of Oskar Stielau with Simon McLarin back in third. In the women's race Dene Simpson turned the tables on overall series leader Rachael Dodwell winning by over 30 seconds.
It was another outstanding performance on the sand from Tara La Grange. Fresh from the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman, she took out the Women's 5km beach run, making it 9 from 9 while Nick Sutherland led the men's field home.
