It was great to see so many W1’s & ski’s on the line up for our first race, hopefully by next month’s race the weather will be warmer and there will be even more on the start line.

I don’t have too many stories to tell about the first race, because my boat crapped out as I was trying to follow the start, but we did receive startling comments from the Mauao Menace J19 boys. They said; “you know, we were just coming around tangaroa statue doing pretty well when this bloody kayak thing just took off past us. We put in a couple of sets thinking we would nail him but he nailed us and disappeared” Thanks Paul Wilford for coming down and reminding us who you are.

Again for the first race of the series a great turnout for the W6’s, 10 crews on the start line and there were a few battles out on the water. Team Goodyear had 2 crews and it seemed Gold Medalist George Thomas made a huge difference pulling his crew (Goodyear new tyres) ahead to win by a massive 2min 2sec over the Goodyear used tyres. Maketu Masters were trailing team toru for most of the race and then in the end where it counts the most, team Toru became team Wha losing 3rd place to Maketu Masters who came from behind with a vengeance. Along with competitiveness out on the water was entertainment by Whaingaroa’s Karioi & G Ninja mixed crews, courtesy of Lana & Conan’s exemplary display of how to go around a turn buoy….”

Hoe Aroha Whanau O Mauao would like to thank all who participated and look forward to seeing you all again in the warmer month of September.