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Results - Te Moana-a-Toi Ocean Series
The Tarawera Outrigger Canoe Club hosted the final regatta in the Te Moana-a-Toi Ocean Series. With a turn out of over 90 paddlers the event proved to be a success.
The W6 event comprising of 14 waka started outside the Ohiwa Harbour Bar and finished inside the Whakatane Bar at the Boat Ramp.
Although all were hoping for a few more bumps offshore the Whakatane Bar gave paddlers and spectators onshore a bit of excitement as crews made their way through the bar. Conditions in the bar really tested the skills of the steerers with strong currents due to the turning of the tide. The more experienced steerers found easier lines than others resulting in passing other crews through the process.
Crews were welcomed by many spectators and a hot cup of soup, with the Goodyear Open Mens crew from Hei Matau crossing first overall, followed by the first Master Mens Crew Maketu Masters. An hour and half later competitors were preparing for the W1 event.
With some very close racing, there was a surprise overall winner of the day crossing the line in a time of 38mins 42 secs – Paul Roozendaal ahead of National Sprint Champion and overall winner of the W1 Open Mens in the series Tyrin Thomas. Third overall and Master Mens winner of the day was Tonga White from the Turangawaewae Waka Sports Club. The first women home was Kelley Korau of Hei Matau.
At the end of the day prize giving was held with all winners in the categories receiving cash prizes along with spot prize draws. With the series coming to a close a special presentation to the overall winners of the series was made by the spokesperson of the Mataatua Waka Ama Committee Keith Hahipene closing with a karakia from Tunoa.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the following: all those who competed throughout the series, especially those who travelled from out of town; Rex Rua, Nigel Anderson, Thomas Kinghazel and Rua Williams for supplying our support boats; Whakatane Coastguard, Whakatane Harbour Masters Brian Spakes and Brian Gibbons; Whakatane Burger King; Ngatiawa Adventure Solutions; White Island Tours; Dolphins Down Under; R’N’Byrne Ltd; Radio 1XX for the live coverage throughout the day; Whakatane Beacon; LJ Hooker – tent; Underwood & Wilkins Motorcycles; Prickly Puha Café; Tarawera Caterers; and last but not least my dearest friend Matewai Hiki-Pene.
Any feedback on this event is most welcome. Please email [email protected].
Heoi ano
Raanj Rapana
Although all were hoping for a few more bumps offshore the Whakatane Bar gave paddlers and spectators onshore a bit of excitement as crews made their way through the bar. Conditions in the bar really tested the skills of the steerers with strong currents due to the turning of the tide. The more experienced steerers found easier lines than others resulting in passing other crews through the process.
Crews were welcomed by many spectators and a hot cup of soup, with the Goodyear Open Mens crew from Hei Matau crossing first overall, followed by the first Master Mens Crew Maketu Masters. An hour and half later competitors were preparing for the W1 event.
With some very close racing, there was a surprise overall winner of the day crossing the line in a time of 38mins 42 secs – Paul Roozendaal ahead of National Sprint Champion and overall winner of the W1 Open Mens in the series Tyrin Thomas. Third overall and Master Mens winner of the day was Tonga White from the Turangawaewae Waka Sports Club. The first women home was Kelley Korau of Hei Matau.
At the end of the day prize giving was held with all winners in the categories receiving cash prizes along with spot prize draws. With the series coming to a close a special presentation to the overall winners of the series was made by the spokesperson of the Mataatua Waka Ama Committee Keith Hahipene closing with a karakia from Tunoa.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the following: all those who competed throughout the series, especially those who travelled from out of town; Rex Rua, Nigel Anderson, Thomas Kinghazel and Rua Williams for supplying our support boats; Whakatane Coastguard, Whakatane Harbour Masters Brian Spakes and Brian Gibbons; Whakatane Burger King; Ngatiawa Adventure Solutions; White Island Tours; Dolphins Down Under; R’N’Byrne Ltd; Radio 1XX for the live coverage throughout the day; Whakatane Beacon; LJ Hooker – tent; Underwood & Wilkins Motorcycles; Prickly Puha Café; Tarawera Caterers; and last but not least my dearest friend Matewai Hiki-Pene.
Any feedback on this event is most welcome. Please email [email protected].
Heoi ano
Raanj Rapana
