Canterbury couple prove key players again
Surfskier Ben Keys was crowned King of the Bay for a fourth year in a row.<em> Photo: Ian Trafford Photos.</em>
There is just no stopping the dynamic duo of Ben and Carly Keys when it comes to elite surfski competition in Tasman Bay.
The Canterbury pair defended their King and Queen of the Bay titles as the New Zealand Ocean Surfski Series returned to local waters.
For the fourth year in a row, Ben proved too strong in the 26-kilometre downwind paddle from Kaiteriteri Beach to Port Māpua. Nelson’s Richard Ussher and Haydn Lockie were his closest chasers as a shift to north-east winds ensured a real challenge in the final stretch.
Carly Keys took out the women’s race for a third time with former champion Tara Smith, from Marlborough, pushing her hard.
To complete a big weekend, Ben and Carly then claimed the Abel Tasman Islands Race the following day.
Adventure racing stars Sophie Hart and Nathan Fa’avae won the double surf ski as the event celebrated its 17th year.