Either individually or in a team, athletes complete a ski leg, board paddle, swim and the beach run between the Gold Coast’s most popular beaches.

In the long course of 46.65km, open male competitors included Greg Tobin of Swansea Belmont (12th place with 4 hours 23 mins), Rory Chapman of Swansea Belmont (20th place with 4hours 33 mins) and Luke Wagner of Stockton (48th place with 5 hours, 14 mins).

In the women’s short course of 30.5km, amongst the youngest competitors in the open field were 17-year-old Hannah Lemke of Cooks Hill, who finished in 21st place with 3 hours 40 min and 16-year-old Maddy Murray of Swansea Belmont in 31st place with 3hours 57 mins.

In the team event, Kate Mulquinney and Brittany Ashman of Cooks Hill, combined with Jordan Freeman of Swansea Belmont and finished in 15th place with a time of 3 hours 54 minutes.

In other news the first round of the Hunter/ Central Coast Peters Nestle Surf Boat Series sorted out the main contenders for the season in flat conditions last Sunday, October 18, at Terrigal.

However, in this sport, big wave rowing requires more skill and will no doubt reveal, which crews are better in bigger conditions throughout the season.

Last year’s open male champions from Dixon Park showed they are back by winning the elite division with Merewether in second and Nobbys Reefers in third place after three rounds.

A new twist to the event is the combined U23/open men’s semi final and final to give crews up to an extra two races.

These results do not go toward the overall point score, but provide more racing opportunities.

In the open women’s division, Macmasters Beach dominated the field, with Avoca Zulus in second and Nobbys Nutters in third.

Local winners from other categories included: U23 male - Swansea, reserves – Caves Beach, U19s Redhead and masters men - Caves Beach.

Round two will be at Stockton Beach on Sunday, November 2.