Event Team

David Bennison

Race Director

With 18 years experience in triathlon events and at 26 years of age triathlon & Multisport has dominated David’s life. He has been involved in the sport at all levels: competing, coaching, officiating and event management. David started his involvement in triathlon as a member of the Nelson Triathlon & Multisport Club. He then moved to Christchurch in 2003 to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Management, which he completed in 2006. During this time David represented New Zealand at the 2005 Triathlon World Championships, finishing 15th in the 20 – 24 age group. In the same year he also finished 3rd in the Queensland State Championships and 12th in the Asian U23 Championships.  Earlier in 2005 David competed in the Speights Coast 2 Coast in the two day teams event.

The Surf N Turf Series is the product of Davids enthusiastic imagination and dedication to his passion of Triathlon & Multisport.  Outside of the Surf n Turf, David is the South Island Sales Rep for Ian Coombes Ltd which services the commercial and residential aquatics industry.

Claire Bennison

Claire has been involved with the Surf n Turf series since its inception in the 2006/07 summer and has been instrumental in growing the series to the point that it is today.  Claire has a background in media having worked for a large independant media agency and more recently as an account manager for TV3 & Four.  In a major career change during 2011 Claire joined the New Zealand Police Force.

Ashley Cassin

Ashley is lucky enough to be the recipient of the first Lincoln University Event Management Internship with the Surf N Turf series. Ashley has recently completed his undergraduate study in Environmental Management and Planning with Minors in Events Management and Tourism at Lincoln University and will graduate in April.
Originally a competitive pool swimmer Ashley has made a successful transition to Ocean swimming. Ashley has competed in the Surf N Turf series for the past two seasons, and has competed in the Corsair Classic every year since it has run since its inception in 2007.
Sports and Events are Ashley’s passions and he looks forward to working alongside David and Claire to facilitate an ever expanding Surf N Turf Series in 2012 and beyond.