Crews headed out of the Thornton Bar and were lined up between two support boats for race start. Great to have the support from the Ruamata, Hei Matau Paddlers, Te Waka Hoe o Pokohinu, Waikato Dragon Boat & Wakaama Association, Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao clubs.

First up was the W6 race around Whale (Moutohora) Island and back through the Thornton Bar to the finish covering a 25km course. Paddlers witnessed the beautiful views as they paddled around Moutohora with the 1st Open Mixed Crew Ururoa from Ruamata having the opportunity to paddle with dolphins just as they were leaving the island for the return paddle home. AWESOME EXPERIENCE AYE NYJ!

The paddle back for some crews from Moutohora was tested as currents and change of tides affected movements in waka. But all teams persevered and completed the course with the top overall crew Goodyear Open Mens of Hei Matau Paddlers crossing the finish line in a time of 1hr 47mins 41secs, followed by the first Master Mens crew Team A’n’E also of Hei Matau and Tarawera mens crossing third overall. First Open Womens crew were Okere Women with Hinerehua from Ruamata taking out the Master Women division.

Many were hoping to have a few more bumps and swells, but the Thornton Bar brought a bit of excitement into the last leg home as some crews found out, that very important navigational skills were required to get in safely.

The afternoon W1 and W2 races got underway where once again crews lined up outside the shore break for race start. The bar was chopping up at this time so a couple of paddlers thought they would enjoy a light dip before the start of the race. Not mentioning any names.

In this race we saw a very strong start from Paora Monk of Te Waka Hoe o Pokohinu but throughout the duration of the course the experience from Paul Roozendaal and current National sprint champion Tyrin Thomas showed as both these athletes challenged the first place position. In the end Tyrin crossed the line in a time of 1:12:38 followed closely by Paul in 1:12:48. Roozendaal brothers Paul and Lance will be heading to Hawaii next month to compete in a 42-mile singles changeover race. Good luck guys!

First W2 waka was the Open Mixed crew of Tania Waikato and Daniel Wharekura in a time of 1:13:32. Maria Horne and Mike Hickson of Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao were the first Master Mixed to cross the line in 1:14:53 with Lyn and Glen Parekura from Pokohinu second in 1:45:39. Due to all their hard paddling they thought they would have a quick swim at the bar before they came in to complete the course.

First year paddler Tracey Black and team mate Sonya Stewart had a little bit of trouble at the start and tipped, but recovered well to take the W2 Open Women line honours over the 12km course.

All entrants received cash prizes with the overall winners in each division also receiving event T Shirts. All W6 Crews receive a free DVD of the morning race courtesy of Opa Roozy.

The next regatta in the series is June 16th in Omaio hosted by Te Waka Hoe o Pokohinu with the Rangitaiki Wakaama Club hosting the 3rd regatta on 14th July.

The Tarawera Outrigger Canoe Club will be hosting the last race in the series on September 29th in Whakatane, where a full prize giving will take place.

Heoi ano

Raanj Rapana
Event Organiser