The Body Glove Kaikoura Cold Water Classic happened to coincide during one of the biggest swells to hit Kaikoura this year. Several roads were closed due to 15- to 20-foot swells crashing up over the roads on the high tides. Due to the swell, it was a bit touch-and-go as to whether or not we’d be able to start the event on Friday. A few of the lads paddled out at Kahutara on Thursday night before the competition was scheduled to start. The waves coming through were still a solid 8 feet and the levels of anticipation were peaking for what the morning was going to offer up.
It was a chilly start on the Friday morning, but the skies were clear and the sea was rumbling. Alex Dive and Elliot Reid suited up before leaving the house, as they were frothing on getting in the water at first light. With the music pumping and the heater on high, the boys were away, stoked on the day ahead of them. With all the excitement and hype, Alex forgot to slow down upon approaching Kaikoura town and was pulled over by the local cop who stung him with a $80 ticket for doing 64km in a 50km zone. The cop didn’t believe that the boys were off for a surf at such an early hour even though they were suited up from head to toe and wearing gloves and all. It was fair to say the day could only get better from then on. Needless to say, it did. The time was 7:30 a.m and the sun was rising. There was a layer of mist above the ocean and you could see steam coming off the frosted shores as the suns rays made contact. This day was one for the books.
Body Glove Kaikoura Cold Water Classic 2015 from Guy Mac on Vimeo.
