23 hit the water for Jackman Classic

 

Perfect conditions greeted athletes at Waipu Cove on Saturday December 3 for the 2016 Jackman Waterman Classic.

Open to all qualified lifeguards, the 12km open ocean race from Waipu Cove to Mangawhai Heads, held in memory of legendary waterman Dave Jackman, saw 23 competitors from across the region in a race that was hotly contested until the finish.

First across the line was Emma Walker (Piha SLSC) in the Under 19 Surf Ski with a time of 1h 11m 59s.

In the Board division it was a race from start to finish, with less than a minute separating first from fifth.

Taking out the Under 19 Male Division was Josh Gallagher (Piha SLSC) with a time of 1h 34m 36s.

The sole female athlete in the Board Division was Hannah Williams (Mangawhai Heads VLS / Piha SLSC) winning in a time of 1h 39m 53s.

The Waipu A Canoe Team raced a time of 1hr 15min.

A notable mention must also go to Peter McInnes from Mangawhai Heads who has competed in every Jackman bar one since it started in 2009, racing a PB of 1h 59m.

Organisers offer a huge thanks to Waipu Cove SLSC and Mangawhai Heads VLS for providing water safety, Threadbox Mangawhai for the design, and MHVLS for the catering.

The 2017 Jackman Waterman Classic is scheduled for Saturday December 2, 2017.

READY: Competitors line up to start at Waipu Cove.