Quantum Events: Upcoming Summer Events
A family tradition
Olympic paddler and swimmer Steve Ferguson is saving lives in a move inspired by his history with former Olympian and four-time gold-medalist dad, Ian.
Steve has taken on a new role this season, coaching the Piha Surf Lifesaving Club. Already in the top ten in the country, the Club made a conscious decision six years ago to put in place a development programme in order to grow it into the best club in the New Zealand. To help achieve that goal they employed Steve with his experience as a world class athlete.
"I'm really proud to be coaching the Piha Team, and believe they really are the best in the country", Steve says. "Getting back to that black sand reminds me of the days
much before the Olympics, when I was training with Dad.
He used to be in the Club next door and that spot holds a lot
of memories".
The move is already paying dividends; they’re now the top surf boat club in New Zealand and the Northern Region pool champions. Steve's coaching of the team is part of both his training programme as he builds up to qualifying for next year’s London Olympics and his dedication to the surf life-saving cause.
"Shows like Piha Rescue have really brought the Club to the fore - but it's always been wonderful. They've got their calendar packed to the brim this season so they're right on form. It's a part of my Olympic training, but it's also part of theirs. By training the Club at the State Beach Series they get to train with the best, and save as many lives as they can. I've every reason to believe they'll get their own world titles soon. It's just nice to be able to share my knowledge in paddling for something worthwhile".
Before the Piha team hit the big time though, father and son were just content hitting the waves. "The State Series is a great way to start off our season", says Dad Ian. "We’ve been in the competition since it started back in 2005 – it’s a great way to race the community or other Olympians.”
The State Beach Series caters for all levels of fitness across nine events, so be sure to come down and try it for the summer! It all kicks off at 6.20pm each Tuesday and costs as little as $6.50 for kids; $8 for adults. For more information, go to www.beachseries.co.nz
Radford, Baker take out State Harbour Crossing
Kiwi swimmers Kane Radford and Cara Baker took their first steps towards Olympic qualification after winning the State Harbour Crossing.
Radford beat off the challenge from a stellar field including leading Australian Trent Grimsey to win the 2.9km open water swim from Bayswater to the Viaduct.
The Queensland-based Baker had to fight off defending champion Charlotte Webby to claim the women’s title among 1300 participants in the first round of the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, staged in excellent conditions.
The leading swimmers are using the series towards the State New Zealand Open Water championships in January, when the top two men and women will move on to the final Olympic qualifying event in Portugal.
“It’s a great feeling. It is one of the major swims in the country and so to make up for last year when I had a bad swim is a great feeling,” said Radford.
“Considering how hard our training has been, to smash out a race like that is showing we are doing the right work and I can’t wait for taper time when we are feeling refreshed.
“We had a normal week leading in to this with 10 sessions including yesterday and full gym. So to be able to swim like this off a week like that is great. I am feeling like nothing can stop me at the moment.”
“This win is important to me. The prizemoney is a big help for me to help towards paying my training fees which is a bonus,” Baker said. “It’s a good build-up towards Taupo which is important to us all as we fight for a spot in the Olympics so this is really important to us.
“I am still building up and not at my peak yet. Even at Taupo I won’t be peaking because I need to aim to be at my very best in Portugal if I qualify.
New Zealand’s leading freestyler Lauren Boyle was third ahead of fellow North Shore clubmate Jessie Blundell.
To get involved check out www.oceanswim.co.nz and book in for races two and three – the State Paihia Classic in the Bay of Islands on December 10 and the State Capital Classic in Wellington on January 29.
Beach Series Leader Board
Ocean Swim 1000/1500m
KENT, Steven / WANNAN, Kirsty
Beach Run 5km
BENNETTS, Cam / LA GRANGE, Tara
Surf Ski Paddle 5km
FERGUSON, Steven / DODWELL, Rachael
Stand-Up Board Paddle 3km
STEPHENSON, Jeremy / ANDERSON, Annabel
Board Paddle 3km
CAMPBELL, Brady / WILLIAMS, Te Ohorere
Junior Beach Run 2.5km
GOOD, Jake / HARDEN, Brieanna
Junior Swim
LLOYD, Rhys / BROOKE, Elle
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