Overcast but calm conditions greeted competitors in Race 4 of the State Beach Series on Takapuna Beach on last night.
There was plenty of interest in the Mens 5km Ski Paddle that's seen three of the country's best ocean paddlers pitted against each other.
Paddlers took to the ocean on an outward tide which together with a strong offshore breeze made the return paddle home tough. Olympian Steven Ferguson lead from start to finish, taking out the race to make it three from four, 19 secs ahead of fellow olympian Ben Fouhy and Travis Mitchell. Rachael Dodwell was the first woman home.
Olympic hopeful Steven Kent has dominated the 1km swim this season but in his absence Ben Gillies, a newcomer to the event this season, came in first six seconds ahead of North Shore teenager Jackson Cropp who has now placed in all for races.
Brenda Russell chalked up another win in the women's event where she's fighting out the top spot with NZ Surf Lifesaver Kirsty Wannan.
