While the men’s race was close to the very end in the opening leg of the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, the women’s race was a different story.

The 2.9 km race was dominated by pre-race favorite Charlotte Webby. While Webby was expecting a close race with Wellington’s Emma Robinson and talented Australian Jessica Walker, she won comfortably by 32 seconds.

“This is a huge confidence booster. To get a win is amazing. I know with sport it can be anyone’s day on a given day, and today was my day,” said the young woman from Taranaki.

The 2013 State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series top 8 women’s results:

1. Charlotte Webby (New Plymouth) 36:54
2. Jessica Walker (Gold Coast, Queensland) 37:26
3. Courtney Carson (Lower Hutt) 38:28
4. Emma Robinson (Wellington) 38:40
5. Grace Sommerville (Ashburton) 38:41
6. Paige Schendelaar-Kemp (Auckland) 38:44
7. Kirsty Wannan (Auckland) 40:03
8. Liana Smith (Waiuku) 40:37

Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association