With just three events remaining and 498 points separating the top four, athletes in The Ultimate Waterman will spend the next day preparing for a big final weekend of competition in Southland, New Zealand.

Weather conditions and scheduling means a lay day has been called, allowing the Watermen down time to enjoy some Southern hospitality and prepare for a challenging few days ahead.

The action will resume on Friday morning (NZT) with the SUP Endurance event. Racing will begin at approximately 8am, with athletes setting off from Colac Bay for a 16km paddle which will finish at Riverton Beach.

On Saturday, the athletes will head indoors at Invercargill’s Splash Palace for the underwater strength run and swim, before the title is decided on Sunday with the final event of waka ama (outrigger) endurance at Riverton. Members of the public are welcome at all of these free events and join the athletes at the beach on Sunday for a Have-a-Go day.

Caio Vaz (BRA) holds the overall lead from defending champion Zane Schweitzer (HAW), with Daniel Kereopa (NZL) and Jackson Maynard (AUS) rounding out the top four. However Connor Baxter, Chuck Glynn and Coco Nogales will all get the chance for double whammy points over the final three days.

The resumption in competition will coincide with the first of Red Bull TV’s five shows, which will take Southland and the event to the world. They can be viewed at; https://www.redbull.tv/live-events

Another highlight of the weekend will be the Waterman Central expo at Queens Park Cricket Ground in Invercargill. It will feature environmental, culture and heritage displays, sponsor displays, music, guest speakers, big screens, interactive activities and tourism destination information.

Please note: Event times and locations are subject to change.

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