https://www.xxzza1.com
27 C
Newcastle

Bella’s buoyed by big effort at Bluewater Hawaiian Classic

SHARE

Swansea’s Bella Williams is grinning from ear-to-ear after producing an incredible performance at the 2022 Bluewater Hawaiian Classic.

The ex-Newcastle Grammar School pupil was the first female to paddle across the finish line of the prestigious event.

After a two-year hiatus, the 22 mile (35.4km) deep water race on Oahu Coastline in Hawaii returned, with the University of Newcastle student ready to take on the challenge.

“It has always been a goal of mine to travel to Hawaii and contest the Bluewater Classic,” Williams said.

“With the borders being shut for the past two years, and the event not going ahead, I redirected my focus to my training so that when the time came to compete, I was ready.”

The taxing course sees athletes navigating their paddleboards through difficult surf and tides through Makupu’u Point, Alan Davis Beach and China Walls before linking to a downwind run outside Manunalua Bay at Koko Headland through Diamond Head.

On the home stretch, they then paddle through deep water passing Waikiki and finishing at Sand Island.

And, out of 36 female and male competitors/paddleboarders, Williams placed eighth overall.

But, in the women’s section, she claimed a win.

The 35.4km circuit took the Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club member a time of three hours, 46 minutes and 50 seconds to complete.

“It was a very challenging race and the final stage was hard,” Williams said.

“But, I got into a good rhythm on the home run and just pushed through.

“It was the best feeling crossing the finish line and to be the first female home was a huge accomplishment.

“I will be definitely back to take on the challenge next year.”

Swansea’s Bella Williams.

For more sports stories:

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!