Time trials counting down

Things are heating up in the weekly oe vaka time trial races with just three more races left before the handicap race on May 16.

Reuben Dearlove is still leading the pack in the V1 race finishing the 8km course on Wednesday in 36.13 followed by rising paddling star Andre Tutaka-George in 38.28.

With little breeze and small runners heading to the Club Raro turn – paddlers had to fight their way back to Avatiu with some close battles among the paddlers too.

Josh Burrell, who placed third overall in 39.20 on an OC1 vaka, had a great duel with Tutaka-George while Paul Pearson putting on an impressive show against his club mates to finish in 40.24 narrowly edging out surfski paddler Marouna Mita who finished in 40.29 ahead of John Beasley and Fletcher Melvin who finished in 41.11 and 41.21 respectively.

More women paddlers took to the water in the race with Serena Hunter looking good on the water and was first woman across the line in 45.47 ahead of Vaea Melvin who clocked in at 47.34.

Time trial races continue this Wednesday afternoon.

Results – Reuben Dearlove (V1) 36:13, Andre Tutaka-George (V1) 38:28, Josh Burrell (OC1) 39:20, Paul Pearson (V1) 40:24, Marouna Mita (SS) 40:29, John Beasley (V1) 41:11, Fletcher Melvin (V1) 41:21, Marc Cowan (OC1) 41:46, Rob Grant (OC1) 43:39, Serena Hunter (V1) 45:47, Vaea Melvin (V1) 47:34, Annie Fisher (OC1) 47:50, Daniel Teheipuarii (V1) 49:38, Jane Pearson (V1) 50:12, Chrissy Thomas (V1) 50:59.