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The Jackman Waterman Classic had a good showing despite scheduling conflicts with Surf Lifesaving competitive events in Whangamata.
Charlie Wood, from Omaha Surf Lifesaving Club, set what is believed to be a new course record at the Jackman Waterman Classic this month.
Wood smashed out the 12km paddle from Waipu to Mangawhai Heads in just 63 minutes.
Organiser Don Baxter says historical records for the event are hazy, as it is considered a social competition, but club members cannot recall a better time.
“It has definitely set a benchmark,” Baxter says.
He adds an honourable mention should go to Omaha’s Chantelle Maher, who was the first female on the day to complete the course on a paddleboard.
She took around two hours to complete it and was neck and neck with her father, Frank Maher.
Meanwhile, Omaha’s Claudia Stevenson completed the course on a surf ski.
Baxter says 12 surf lifeguards entered the competition this year.
The Jackman Waterman Classic is held annually in honour of Muriwai’s Dave Jackman, who was the first surfer to ride the infamous 15-foot swell at Queenscliff Bombora in Sydney on a longboard in 1961.
Baxter says he is hoping to introduce a “Jackman junior” variation of the competition for under-13s in the New Year.
The course would run from the Mangawhai Tavern to Breakwater Bay, next to the surf club.
