The forecast for Paddlez Up Gizzy 2015 was 3-4m swells with light south easterly winds and 24 degrees. Tangaroa put exactly that on for the second annual NZHL Paddlez Up Gizzy event.

At 8am the reef had 2m breaking swells breaking over it and the channel out to the bay was awash with a sloppy shore break, making it challenging for our paddlers to get out to the start line.  The delay of 30 minutes was the best option for our paddlers to get through safely.

The day kicked off with the W6 men and W1 women’s race with over 44 entries from Auckland, Rotorua, Whakatane, Hawkesbay and Gisborne.  We had 3 mixed crews join the race to challenge the men. J19 Akayshia William won the overall W1 womens event. The surprise of this event was young Manea Swann-Brightwell taking 3rd place overall, 2nd in the J19 and only 14 years old. We support the development of juniors, to allow her to race had a support person, lifejacket and parents consent to allow her to race. Manea, Akakashia, Rangi (12 years old) train 3-4 per week in the ocean and we commend Mareikura coaches Raipoa and Matahi for contributing to developing the juniors.

Wolleys (Horouta) took 1st in the open men and Matou (Waka Ama O Whakatane) 1st in the W6 Senior Master Men, with Steel Eels (Heretaunga) close behind them in 2nd place. 1st place MIXED was local team Tairawhiti (Mareikura) arriving second overall in the race

For the first time we had our paddle boards and surf ski competitors from the Gisborne Surf Life Saving clubs supporting our event as they prepare for the Australian Surf Life Saving championships next month. The course was set out over the reef for the paddle boarders who got to enjoy the 2 metre swells. 
Congratulations to 1st = Callum Torrie & Blake Brown MEN paddleboard, 1st place Olivia Corrin WOMEN paddleboard and Kirby Scammell 1st place in the surf ski.            

Back on schedule, next was the Junior and Novice race, the highlight of the day. It was great to give our up and coming paddlers opportunity to experience a long distant race available in Gisborne. As well as supporting our new paddlers and juniors to experience competition at entry level. It is important to provide opportunity for new paddlers and juniors to develop. We would like to see these two divisions continue to grow over the years as the sport becomes more popular for all. This was by far the biggest swell they had paddled in and did really well.  They learnt alot and really enjoyed themselves. Well done to all the paddlers and supporters for making this an awesome race for our juniors and NEWBIES. 

Lunchtime, break for our support boats while wait for some teams who forgot to lash their waka. The break gave us time to share some of the great things going on - free stand up paddle board sessions, sausage sizzle fundraiser for Child Cancer, SPUD guy, coffee guy, yummy homemade soup, tea & coffee for all and reminder for the after function sponsored by Hinano Tahiti (World Beer) at Wharf Bar.

1pm the next race begins with 15 entries lining up for the W6 Women & W1 Men. The swells remained at 3-4 metres high, providing the biggest swells a paddling race has had in Gisborne for some time. Sponsors thoroughly enjoyed being able to be a part of the experience and support the paddlers to complete 10km – 15km race course of Poverty Bay.

Premier Women Sprint Champions, Kaiarahi Toa dominated the womens event, 10 minutes ahead of the second place getter. The master women was won by local Manawa Uha (Horouta), 2nd Ebony & Ivory (Horouta) and very closely behind them in 3rd place Iron Maidens (Haeata Ocean Sports). Bruce Campbell dominated the mens race, taking 1st place in the open men and 1st overall. J19 division saw Waitakere Outrigger Canoe Club Zane Abraham take 1st place, with local boy Darius Nepe-Boyd taking 2nd place.  Local man David Apelu takes 1st place for the master men.

The challenging conditions takes a lot out of the paddlers, as some decided to rest for the final 5km W6 race MIXED. Competitors from 14 – 70 years old teamed up showing a sport that really does cater for all ages and genders. It was great to see such a diverse age competing.

This race was a battle between Mareikura teams, as leading the pack at the start was Tairawhiti Pirates (Mareikura). At the first marker Tairawhiti Toa cut through to take the lead and win the race. 3rd place went to Nga Wai Wehe Rua with paddlers aged up to 70 years of age. Well done

4pm, paddlers were arriving at Wharf Bar for the HINANO Prizegiving. First 40 people were greeted with a free hinano beer and got to enjoy the great scenery around the wharf area. With so many prizes to give away, we took over an hour and in the end said for people to help themselves. Vouchers for meals, paddling clothing, calendars, beer glasses, restaurant vouchers, surf lesson, SUP gear, caps, umbrellas, movie passes, so much to give away.

Great to see people mingling after a big race, as it’s the time to socialise and get to know the paddlers who travel from distant places. Talk about the race, the experience, the memories, make new friends and catch up with old friends. Important to take time to enjoy. The night was enjoyed by all, some staying to enjoy hinano beer and the sponsors. Even had some dancing entertainment amongst some of the paddlers.

Thank you to all the support boats boys Gordie, Connor, Ollie, Zach & James, Big Boat Glen, Sam, Rawiri and Will for keeping our paddlers safe at sea.

Thank you to the volunteers who helped with registrations, safety checks, lashing, soup, cuppa tea and clean up at the event and after function.

Thank you to all of those who supported the event as a paddler or supporter, you made the event great success. Thank you to those who travelled from around the motu to be a part of the event.

See you same time, same place next year for a BIGGER and more $$ in prizes. A special sponsor will be putting up a trip for 2 to Tahiti with flights and accommodation up for grabs as a spot prize.

Finally a BIG THANK YOU to all our sponsors, without you our event wouldn’t have been the great success it was.  Thank you to:

Happy paddling

Paddlez Up Gizzy