Mt Maunganui all rounder Andrew Newton seemed as surprised as anyone to complete an outstanding win in the surf lifesaving national surf race series at his home beach yesterday.
During the season-long series participants had to demonstrate exceptional skill on boards and skis as well as the core lifesaving skillof swimming.
Newton is a three-time New Zealand board race champion and a more than a capable ski paddler at the top level.
But he is the first to admit he is not a champion swimmer.
As expected, Newton led the starting board race section and extended that lead on the ski and then held on grimly on the final swim leg as his Mount club mates Perry Farrell and George Haynes threatened.
Great Britain representative Haynes was a threat, having won the two previous rounds of the series.
"It was quite handy having the craft go first and I just tried to hold on for dear life in the swim and get a wave," Newton said.
"I was hoping to pull something but it didn't quite come and I missed a couple of waves. I could see someone coming up behind me so I just dug it in and made it hurt."
