All Stories
Great to see so many paddlers from the length of New Zealand turn up at Kaiteriteri last weekend for Motueka Waka Ama Clubs annual regatta.
Special thanks to those who traveled so far!
This was the first year we have had teams from further north than Wellington. Fantastic to have Tauranga Moana ladies and Mitamitanga men come all that way to experience our beautiful beach and paddling waters. Big effort too, from the Fire in Ice ladies who traveled the mainland from Dunedin.
10 km W1 and W2 races were held on Friday evening. Awesome to see so many boats out on the water. The women had a tougher race than the men with a strong easterly wind and white caps to contend with. Some loved it, some capsized and some didn’t finish. Great experience no matter what.
Saturday was a clear sunny Kaiteriteri Day and great racing conditions.
First up was the W6 Rangatahi and Novice event. For some, their first time paddling the distance without a break.
The W6 Open and Masters events were loads of fun. Raced in three stages, the first stage being a 1km (no turns) sprint. A first time ever for Kaiteriteri. The second and third stages were handicapped and had running starts from the beach making for exciting competition, close finishes, option to change paddlers and interesting spectator viewing.
Prize giving and dinner were held at the "Beached Whale". Sounds like our visitors made a night of it with sing along and partying while the hosts and organisers went home for much needed rest and recovery before heading to Vaka Eiva next weekend.
Congratulations to Canterbury Paddling Club who won the Club trophy for participation.
Thanks Becs for putting the photos up. If any one else took any good ones, be great to see them on the website too.
Thank you to our sponsors Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Board, Aquataxis, Kaiteriteri Kayaks and Kaiteri Lodge.
Hope to see you at Kaiteriteri in 2010.
Megan Wilson
Motueka Waka Ama Club