Surf series' return is whatSUP in the city

The weekly opportunity to race, train or just socialise has helped the City Surf Series build a loyal following. Photo / Scottie T Photography

Two new events await paddleboarders flocking back to Mission Bay for popular weekly event

Steve Westlake (with Matt Goodman) rowed across the Atlantic to win the 2001 Ward Evans Challenge after 42 gruelling days at sea.

These days Westlake prefers to throw his inflatable paddleboard in the boot and head for some peaceful coastline with his daughters in tow.

The Auckland senior constable was initially sceptical about a sport that is growing in popularity.

"Coming from a surf lifesaving and rowing background, I thought SUP [stand up paddleboard] looked a bit contrived. A friend brought a board up to Tawharanui one day, and I jumped on it. It was a little rough and I spent a fair bit of time in the water. After about 30 minutes, I started to get the hang of it. It is surprising how much marine life you see from that slightly higher position standing on a board - almost every time I go out I see fish or rays."

Westlake encourages people to not be put off by the perceived cost and inconvenience of transporting and storing a paddleboard.

"Inflatables are an inexpensive and convenient option. Mine rolls up into a backpack - the kids can pick it up and take it down to the beach, and if they fall off it, they aren't going to hurt themselves or anyone else. Inflatables may be a bit slower than hard boards - but I still race mine."

Westlake's inflatable board was fast enough to place him seventh at the NZ SUP National Championships held in February.

For the next 13 weeks, Westlake and his family will head to Mission Bay Beach on Thursday night for the City Surf Series, a weekly opportunity to run, paddle and socialise.

"Troy Huston is doing a great job with the series. It is suitable for beginners through to elites - you can choose whether to race, to socialise, be part of a team or use it for training. I love the whole family and social angle, and the free teen SUP or run gives kids the chance to do something different."

Stacey and Troy Huston created the events in 2012. "We created the City Surf Series as a means of getting our friends, families and kids together regularly over summer as everyone seemed increasingly busy with work and other commitments. A social, weekly series on Auckland's Mission Bay Beach seemed like a perfect location and the right atmosphere for families to get involved and ensure a healthy work/life balance."

The City Surf Series is evolving to embrace changing interests: on-water disciplines include SUP, ski paddle, waka ama and prone paddle, and there are three run options. Exciting additions this year are waterfront yoga and Amplify - a SUP+run multisport event. Participants can sign up for a single event or a variety of flexible pass options - spot prizes and a relaxed after-party make the City Surf Series a popular weekly diary date.

Strongly influenced by a social and family feel, teens are invited to SUP or run for free this year, something Marlene Jackson and daughter Amber are happy about. The 51-year-old South African ex-model was introduced to SUP in 2010 and developed an immediate affinity with the sport, winning the distance category at the 2015 National Championships.

Jackson has competed in the series each year since it began. "I prefer long distance but need to do the short distances for strength and cardio. It's weekly, so it makes me set goals - I train better ... with that little element of competition."

Eleven-year-old Amber will join her mother at Mission Bay this summer.

"Amber has been paddling for about a year - she has her own race board and has been along to Troy's training sessions - she's quite excited about the series."

City Surf Series

What: Weekly paddle & run event
When: Thursday, November 12 for 13 weeks
Where: Mission Bay Beach, Auckland
For more information: http://www.citysurfseries.com/