It was a performance representative of a world champion, as Vaughan Reed led from start to finish at the Waitemata Kayak Krazy 10km race on Saturday in Auckland.
The 2019 K2 Masters Marathon world champion flew off the start line on Henderson Creek, alongside more than 30 other paddlers at race 3 of the Kayak Krazy 10km series. He was challenged by fellow North Shore paddler Michael Esterhuizen before pulling away after the first turn one kilometre in. He never relinquished control after that, finishing in 46minutes and 20seconds.
“I wanted to use this race to see how well I’m tracking for the lead up to the World Marathon Champs in Portugal in September and the Kayak Krazy series is a great way to keep race fit over winter” said Vaughan.
“It was fantastic to see such a good turnout on Saturday across all abilities. Having over 30 boats on the start line made for some exciting racing and the conditions didn’t disappoint. I need to get a lot more racing under my belt, so I’m looking forward to the second race at Waitemata on the 20th and then I’ll head down to do the Karapiro race on the 28th of August, and of course the 10km national champs in September.”
Behind Vaughan was where the race was at, with 3 paddlers battling it out for podium places. Jeremy Kuggeleijn, Andy Logue and Michael Esterhuizen were locked together for the entire 2 lap course, only separating in the sprint finish which saw Michael take 2nd place, followed by Andy Logue in 3rd.
Danika Mowlem was first female home and first of the multi-craft division racing her ocean ski, followed by Christine Berben-Carmine and Karen Harvey.
Waitemata Canoe Club’s Simon McLaren showed age is not slowing him down, finishing 6th overall and taking out the master divisions. Special shout out to Kevin Sargent and Rosemary Gatland, representing the over 65s!
There were plenty of youngsters, boosted by the presence of the Bay of Plenty Paddlesports juniors, who travelled up from Tauranga. The under 12’s paddled a 3km loop, with Iris Davis winning the girls and Troy Wooster first in the boys. It was another sprint finish in the junior 6km race, with Dane Wooster (1st U14 male) just edging ahead of Grace Richardson (1st U16 female) followed by fellow Bay of Plenty paddler Poppy Richardson (1st U14 female). Auckland’s Rosara Davis took out the SUP division.
Thanks heaps to Sean Murphy and the Waitemata Canoe and Multisport Club for hosting and refueling everyone afterwards. Thanks to the sponsors iPaddle, Paddle Sport NZ, and R-Line for making sure everyone went home with lots of goodies.
The next Kayak Krazy series race in this Sunday 31st July, followed by Waitemata’s second event is on 20th August. The updated series leaderboard is coming soon.