A rising swell and challenging shore break greeted Whakatāne Rowing Club competitors at Papamoa Beach for Round 2 of the Beach Sprint Series, with conditions proving far more demanding than forecast.

Despite predictions of a balmy 29-degree day, rowers were met with a brisk, cool wind and unsettled seas, adding to the sense of trepidation as crews prepared to launch. The dumping shore break quickly made its mark, with one boat flipping on the return to shore during the opening race.

Nerves were heightened when club members, using a shark-tracking app, noted the presence of a great white shark named Daisy reportedly just offshore.

Whakatāne Rowing Club fielded an expanded squad compared to the opening round at Orewa, entering a mix of girls, senior boys and masters’ rowers in various crew combinations.

The morning programme consisted of time trials across all events, with crews competing in doubles and quads to secure progression to the finals. Strong performances saw several Whakatāne crews advance.

Helen Decker and Kayla Billings reached the A Final in the Under-18 double. The pair also combined with Tayla Cloke and Sarah Bryant, coxed by Ayla Rowe, to place second in the Under-18 coxed quad A Final.

Alex Iremonger and Kayla Billings also qualified for an A Final, however, their race ended in disappointment when a seat failed after Alex completed the beach sprint. The boat had capsized in an earlier race and sustained damage, forcing the crew to withdraw after waiting until the final race of the day.

One of the day’s more memorable moments came when Flo Tilling and partner Dave Derecourt capsized around 200 metres offshore while rounding the end buoy. The pair managed to right their boat but required assistance from an inflatable rescue boat to return safely to shore.

The event also provided an opportunity for club members to watch elite talent in action, with Olympians Emma Twigg and Matt Dunham among the premier rowers competing.

The club now turns its attention to Round 3 of the Beach Sprint Series, which it will host at Ōhope Beach over Waitangi Weekend.

The event will be held in conjunction with series organiser David Vallance and the Ōhope Surf Life Saving Club.