This year the 5km parade from Auckland Rowing Club, to Manukau Harbour will be led by Flava's Hummer pumping out sounds from its sound system which is the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Paddlers can expect between 3000-5000 spectators waiting at Mangere Bridge Waterfront Road for waka to arrive around 1.45pm. They would be enjoying the festival which started at 9.00am, with acts performing on big stage such as Adease, Ill Semantics, Three Houses Down and many more. There will be free rides, heaps of stalls, games, educational stalls and much more.

The first 200 Paddlers to register through your teams will receive a Portage Crossing T. Shirt with famous sting ray and 10th Bi-Annual Portage Crossing on the back. So be quick.

Last years winners Phoenix from Akarana, open men, and Waitakere women are the teams to beat. Expect stiff competition from Manukau, Portage Crossing & Cook Island teams who set fast times overall at last regatta.

Take up the challenge and compete in the only waka ama coast to coast regatta in the world. Trailers are available at McEntee hire Onehunga cnr Neilson & Church Street. They are capable of carrying 2 six man waka comfortably as proven by the Cook Island teams at last regatta.

Retrace the route of the Tainui when discovering the Manukau, follow the famous chief Hoturoa when they heard the noise of the birds and hence named the place Manukau, and the lazy winds, and named Mangere. Last year Portage Crossing J19 men & women completed this course and will be back this year.

Look forward to seeing you at the 10th Portage Crossing, Saturday the 18th February 2006. The next one is Feb 2008.