Capital pair make splash at surf champs

Wellington swimmers Steven Kent and Natasha Hind dominated the first session of competition at Surf Life Saving New Zealand's national pool championships last night, winning five of the six open finals between them.

New Zealand team member Steven Kent swept all three men's finals, taking out the 50m swim with fins, the 100m manikin carry and the 200m super lifesaver.

The 20-year-old Titahi Bay lifesaver was too good for New Brighton's Andrew Jensen, who finished second in the two shorter distance races.

Hind, the 18-year-old Beijing Olympic relay swimmer, won the 50m swim with fins from her Lyall Bay clubmates Anita Roberts and Sally Green, then comfortably beat Orewa's Rachel Clarke for the 200m super lifesaver title, with Mount Maunganui's Karleen Gane third.

Piha's Kirsty Wannan won the 100m manikin carry from clubmate Nicole Lawton.

Hind's efforts helped Lyall Bay lead the competition after the first of three days.

Finals results from the opening session of the national surf lifesaving pool championships at the Wellington Regional Aquatic centre in Kilbirnie tonight:

Women:

50m swim with fins: Natasha Hind (Lyall Bay) 24.39 1, Anita Roberts (Lyall Bay) 24.78 2, Sally Green (Lyall Bay) 24.91 3.

100m manikin Carry: Kirsty Wannan (Piha) 1:12.50 1, Nicole Lawton (Piha) 1:13.10 2, Carla Laughton (St Clair) 1:14.90 3.

200m super lifesaver: Natasha Hind (Lyall Bay) 2:49.57 1, Rachel Clarke (Orewa) 3:09.09 2, Karleen Gane (Mt Maunganui) 3:27.74 3.

Men:

Mens 50m swim with fins: Steven Kent (Titahi Bay) 21.09 1, Andrew Jensen (New Brighton) 21.87 2, Martyn McDowell (Titahi Bay) 23.53 3.

100m manikin carry: Steven Kent (Titahi Bay) 55.22 1, Andrew Jensen (New Brighton) 1:00.43 2, Tom Jacka (Piha) 1:07.46 3.

200m super lifesaver: Steven Kent (Titahi Bay) 2:26.40 1.

Overall points: Lyall Bay 196, Waikanae 187, Titahi Bay 90, Piha 83, Paekakariki 77.