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The inaugural Jackman Junior event was held on April 23, which saw around 20 talented athletes under 16 years old compete in kneeboarding and paddleboarding along the length of the Mangawhai estuary.
Echoing the senior Jackman Classic, which is a 12-km open ocean paddle, the event is named in honour of David Jackman. Jackman made history by being the first surfer to ride Sydney’s infamous Queenscliff Bombora in 15-foot surf on a longboard in 1961. He relocated to NZ around 1963 where he lived at Muriwai Beach until he died in 2014.
In 2009, the then Surf Lifesaving Northern Region Lifesaving manager Tony Baker and Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Surf Lifesaving lifeguard Dean Storey decided to create an event that would honour Jackman’s prowess as an all-round waterman.
This year Don Baxter created the new Jackman Junior to promote the water skills of the younger surf sportspersons based in Mangawhai.
The event kicked off from the Mangawhai Tavern with the competitors displaying impressive skill and technique as they navigated their boards along the six-kilometre course towards the beach.
Baker says the competition was friendly and fun, with every participant giving it their all, spurred on by their eager parents and whanau.
“The skill level on display was impressive, with all the riders showing remarkable talent and promise,” he said.
“The Jackman Junior was a wonderful opportunity for young athletes to come together, have fun, support and learn from each other.
“This fabulous new event is a great boost at the end of a challenging season for the close-knit Mangawhai Heads Surf Life Saving Club community.
“Congratulations to everyone involved, Don Baxter and to the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Surf Life Saving Club for organising such a magnificent event.
“We look forward to seeing the event grow in the years to come.”
Results:
Jack Farmer (44:40) 1, Sienna Purcell (45:30) 2, Emma Lay (46:300 3, Q Veer (47:30) 4, Konrad Dixon (53:47) 5, Inez Fulton (55:10) 6, Faith Paul (56:10) 7, Lara Lay (56:20) 8, Ethan Purcell (56:30) 9, Bekker Pienaar (59:59) 10, Crush Hutchings (1:00:10) 11, Ane Pinenaar (1:03:20) 12, Oliver Hardy (1:04:00) 13, Brydee Dixon (1:04:10) 14, Evie and Amemila (1:07:10) 15, Alastair Wheatley (1:07:20) 16, Kade Meagher (1:12:05) 17, Connor Thompson (1:12:06) 18.
