Hansen first Kiwi home at paddle board nationals

Marcus Hansen powers himself to second in the open men's division of the 2017 New Zealand Stand Up Paddle Boarding Nationals. Photo/Georgia Schofield

Whangarei's Marcus Hansen was the first Kiwi home in the open men's division at the 2017 New Zealand Stand Up Paddle Boarding Nationals.

Hansen finished in second overall after fellow New Caledonian, and Hansen's NSP teammate, Titouan Puyo romped home in an impressive effort.

The Northlander said he achieved what he wanted to.

"Being the first Kiwi home was great," he said.

"We had awesome conditions for racing and there was a really great wind which helped me get a good run.

"I'm happy right now; I got the result I wanted."

With the last week having a lot of changeable weather, all paddlers were a bit uneasy about what conditions they'd face in the 18km long distance race.

What they were faced with was a light, cross shore breeze that they went straight into to start the race.

They raced 3km to a buoy before turning south and going straight back to Orewa Beach and were helped by being able to catch 2m running swells with a very consistent 20 knot wind.

Puyo took line honours after arriving up on the beach following their three lap race.