Hatton wins Gold at Youth Olympics

Hot weather drew swimmers and paddlers to Takapuna Beach for race 10 of the North Shore City Beach Series. Strong north-easterly winds provided fun conditions for the surf-ski paddlers, among them was Teneale Hatton..

A participant since 2005 Hatton, 19, recently returned from the Australian Youth Olympic Festival with great success, winning gold in the K1 1000m and silver in the K1 500m.

The ocean paddle gives diversity to her flat-water training.

"The surf ski is definitely a bit harder on the power side of things," says Hatton.

"Flat-water paddling is more about speed and you get your own space with no bumping from other boats or wash riding."

As a younger entrant Hatton finds herself up against some tough competition including world champion ski paddler Katie Pocock.

"It gives me something to aim for," says Hatton.

"It's a little intimidating lining up next to all the older paddlers but after competing in the series for a while you get to know everyone. You can pace off them or set little goals for your next race."

Hatton's long-term goal is winning gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

North Shore City Beach Series 2008-09 aggregate points after race ten

Men: Swim, Ross Anderson 500 points, Chris Moors 499.27, Brady Campbell 492.35. Paddle, Steven Ferguson 500, Travis Mitchell 491.81, Branislav Sramek 483.24. Run, Cameron Bennetts 500, Paul Angland 497.53, Leon Drajer 496.25.

Women: Swim, Anna Jackson 500, Brenda Cockcroft 499.13, Johanna O'Connor 496.76. Paddle, Katie Pocock 500, Teneale Hatton 485.27, Tracy Wilson 483.87. Run, Gracie Keown 500, Tara La Grange 485.57, Lesley Ryan 484.81.