As always, it is the people that make this event successful, and so the following acknowledgements need to be made.

Thanks to all those who came from all over to take up the challenge and test their paddling skills. We kept the rain away and even though the event had been moved from the middle of the winter season to the beginning of the spring season, there was still quite a chill in the air and you still needed your heaters on board!!

Our grateful thanks to Laurie and the water crews for successfully looking after all our paddlers on the water and ensuring they got back to shore safely.

Only one W6 waka and their crew needed assistance and were returned without any further problems. A couple of the W1 and W2 crews were seen having a bit of a "talk" with Tangaroa, but once upright, were away again. Only one W2 crew needed assistance from the water crews.

It was also great to catch up with paddlers that we have not seen for a while. We hope that you enjoyed your time and will come back next year and take on the challenge again! Really awesome!

Our thanks to our major sponsor, Legends Bar, Rotorua. Also, all our other sponsors who donated prizes and cash for the races.

Just a special acknowledgement to all those paddlers who helped out fellow paddlers when it was needed.

We know there were lots of you out there who looked out for each other – Absolutely Awesome!! One in particular, our current W1 National Champion, Tyrin Thomas, who had been leading his race. He stopped to support his Dad who also had a "few words" with Tangaroa. Tyrin stayed with him to the end of the race.

The act of helping another paddler out, makes you all outright winners….

All feedback is welcome. If we can improve the race for those that want to take the challenge next year, then let us know.

Some info from the number crunchers:
* Clubs represented: 26 (11 Clubs from Auckland)
* Furthest club: Hawaiikinui Tuarua, Porirua/Otaki
* Paddlers Registered: 330
Seniors:
* Fastest W6 Time: Master Men Grizzlies Gold, Taniwha: 1.13.43
* Fastest W1 Time: Kingi Gilbert, Taniwha: 55.28
Juniors:
* Fastest W6 Time: Waitakere Ono, Waitakere 48.36
* Fastest W1 Time: Hemi Wahapango, Pokohinu 1.00.44

For all the other important numbers, i.e. results, see attached: