Surfski: Jackman Waterman an instant Classic

The board competitors line up pre-race. Photo/Supplied

Perfect conditions greeted athletes at Waipu Cove for the 2016 Jackman Waterman Classic.

The race is a 12-kilometre open ocean race from Waipu Cove to Mangawhai Heads in memory of legendary waterman Dave Jackman.

With 23 competitors from across the region, the race was hotly contested right until the finish.

First across the line was Emma Walker (Piha SLSC) in the Under-19 Surf Ski with a time of 1:11.59.

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

Taking out the Under-19 Male Division was Josh Gallagher (Piha SLSC) with a time of 1:34.36.

The sole female athlete in the Board Division was Hannah Williams (Mangawhai Heads VLS/Piha SLSC) winning with a time of 1:39.53.

The Waipu A Canoe Team raced a time of 1:15:00. 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 personal best of 1:59.00.

The organisers would like to thank 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 December 2. For more details please email baker.buddha@gmail.com.