Race 1 – W1’s, W2’s, Surfski’s and Junior W6’s - Pilot Bay had flattened out after a couple of weeks of standing white caps from heavy westerlies, so the race venue was calm and sunny. Once around the maunga, paddlers met the NE wind chop and hammered through to Motuotau, where they were complimented with some four foot wind chop to surf home. Pegasus and Wainui owners were relishing the chance to enjoy the benefits of their investment.

The Mauao Menace J19 men were looking forward to doing justice against OCC after coming second in the last race but will have to wait another day as OCC were not present. Tirikawa caught the Madeinz napping after their comfortable lead and fought with style to take 1st place in the J19 Women.

Everyone was pretty happy with their races, even Steve Rule who had a supporter swimming under his ama – a baby 4 ft mako. Thats why they call that area “Shark Alley”.
Race winners Mauao Menace – Junior Men, Tirikawa – Junior Women, Tyrin Thomas – W1 Open Men, Tonga White – W1 Master Men, Brenen Guyol – W1 Women and Wayne Patterson – Surfski.

Race 2 – Mens, Womens and Mixed W6’s – Right from the start there were surprises. First of all, Team Goodyear appeared to be waiting for someone to tell them to go, but it turned out their second crew wasn’t there to race against so, giving everyone a five minute lead seemed an appropriate way to work up a sweat. Team Toru wasted no time and made the most of this opportunity, leading the first 5km until Goodyear pulled them back at the infamous Blowhole. The North East wind picked up even more and gave all the W6 crews a decent swell to work through. At the turn buoy, Goodyear put the kettle on and made themselves a cup of tea while everyone went by. Again creating a handicap to keep the pressure on themselves.
Race winners Goodyear – Open Men, Team Toru – Master Men, Maketu Women and Mitamitaga Mixed.

At the beach everyone was pleased with the conditions and their performance. It was awesome to have the wind and swell for the last race of the series. Huge thanks to all the teams/clubs who supported our series and to all our volunteers who helped make it happen. See you all next year....

Overall Series Winners
Junior Men – Mauao Menace, Junior Women – Tirikawa
Open Men W1 – Troy Dolman Master Men W1 – Tonga White
Women W1 – Raanj Rapana
Open Men W6 – Team Goodyear Master Men W6 – Team Toru
Mixed W6 – Karioi
Surfski – Wayne Patterson