Surf Ski and Waka Ama Series 2009-2010

Race 3 Sunday November 8

2009-11-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Here's a brief from Race 3 which I've sent into http://www.sportzhub.com/

Race 3 of the Wellington Surf Ski and Waka Ama had the big thumbs up from the weather Gods after the cancellation of Race 2, three weeks ago. Forty four paddlers were greeted by a light to moderate southerly for the 8.2km race from Petone and around Matiu Island (Somes) and return.

Today it was pleasing to see the number of Surf ski paddlers has increased out there, so the Waka Ama paddlers may get out numbered if this trend continues.
It is always good to see people travelling to our races and today having people come over from the Wairarapa and also Levin and Otaki is good for us and in turn the paddlers reciprocate and travel to their areas and further a field when races are on as well.

Special mentions today to Grant Barriball, Jorn Scherzer and Paddy Rimene who had a good race finishing close together over todays course. Wellingtons newest Waka Ama Club Hokoikoi for taking out the first 3 placings in the W6.

Mike Tait from Levin headed the Surf ski field again this week, he also won the surf ski class in last weekends 4 bridges River race in Wanganui as well. Sandy Winterton, who in the past has paddled in the Sea Kayaks class, has taken quite quickly to getting his Fenn XT moving along and is now looking more than competitive.

After the paddling was over 19 spot prizes were dished out with some lucky enough to get something more than just a sore body from the days outing.

The races are every 3 weeks, the next one being on Sunday November 29, the venue is Ngatitoa Domain, Mana.

Results are Below:
For further info and photos http://www.surfskiandwakaama.blogspot.com/

Todays results:

W6: Holdens Hikoikoi crew 45:16,1; Katies Hokoikoi crew 46:11,2; Kiris Hokoikoi crew 53:06, 3; Kokiri Chicks 54:54
W2: Royce Gray/Willie Kappelly 46:39
W1 Men: Grant Barriball 44.58,1; Jorn Scherzer 45:30,2; Paddy Rimene 45:54,3;Tawhana Chadwick 48:27,4; Joe Nuku 50:25,5; Paki Rawiri 55:22,6.
W1 Women: Anita Taggart 52:49,1.
Sea Kayaks Men: Dave Fisher 49:21,1; Brent Harrison 50:08,2.
Sea Kayak Women: Dianne Morgan 59:27,1.
Surf ski Men: Mike Tait 42:26,1; Chester Burt 42:41,2; Andrew Carey 43:49,3; Les Morris 43:54,4; Sandy Winterton 45:32,5; Iain Gillies 47:49
Surf ski Women: Marianna Hodges 50:55,1; Mereana Hodges-Mike 52:20,2.

Race 3 on this Sunday 8th November 2009

2009-11-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

Race 3
Petone Foreshore (opposite Tory St)
course around Matiu (Sommes) Island and back
distance 8km
Registration from 9.15am
race start 10am

$5 singles
$8 doubles
$12 Waka 6's

Open to all Surf ski, Waka Ama, Sea Kayaks, adventure racing doubles and stand up paddle boards

buoyancy vests are compulsory either worn or carried.

The long range forecast looks like the southerlies should be dying off.

High tide is at 10 am.

If you are unsure about the course conditions for race day text or phone us on 976-1795 before 8.30am or after that text or phone on the number below.

An alternate course may be used if conditions aren't suitable to safely cater for all competitors

Race day contact: 0274 581-005

Race this Sunday

2009-10-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Race 2 this Sunday October 18 from Hataitai Beach, Evans Bay.

The Forecast looks as though it will be a Southerly, so it will more than likely be around the Fountain on Oriental Parade and back.

Race Registration from: 9.15am

Races Start @ 10.00am sharp

Distance 7 km

Buoyancy vests are compulsory either worn or carried on your craft

Entry fee:
$5.00 singles
$8.00 doubles
$12.00 O.C.6’s

Sept 27 Porirua (Ngatitoa Domain)
Oct 18 Hataitai ( Hataitai Beach)
Nov 8 Petone (The Esplanade, opposite Tory St)
Nov 29 Porirua (Ngatitoa Domain)
Dec 20 Petone (Wgtn Waterski Club, by the Motorway)

The races scheduled for the new year should be finalised early Decemeber and are expected to run every 3 weeks again, from early January to late in April.

Race 1 Mana/Plimmerton

2009-09-28T01:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the paddlers and supporters who turned out to either paddle or watch todays opening race.
We had 38 paddlers on the water today and about 20 people who came along to support those paddling, either organising some of the crews or craft transportation, I recognise the extra effort quite a few people put in to make sure their Club mates are able to get out on the water and also the work that goes into getting crews from clubs sharing equipment and joining crews together to get an extra W6 on the water.
We had quite a steady Northerly wind during todays race which provided slightly messy conditions offshore and closer to shore providing probably better surfing conditions which most paddlers like to latch onto where ever possible.
The course today started in the Harbour Channel and headed parallel to the shoreline taking paddlers across to a buoy at Goat Point, from there is was straight out to the Inner Reef and navigating around the exposed rocks on it's outskirts. Once safely around the reef it was straight back past the start finish and around a buoy, back to the Goat Point buoy, then back to the finish completing a distance of 7.7 km.
Today we had many paddlers who were out on the water showing off there efforts from some hard training sessions in Preparation for the World Waka Ama Sprint Champs (Noumea 2010) others are using the Series as a good chance for some exercise or extra racing that maybe helpful leading up to other races around the Country.

Special mentions today to Chris Fox, Mandy Hatton, Tuhiwai Hauiti-Parapara for making my life easier today organising groups. Big thanks to Charmaine Matiaha who was a huge help today recording times with the help of Dianne Morgan also to Dave Ryde who was there to offer any support as well, from start to well after the finish.

Today we collected $134 in entry money and like every race we do all the money goes straight into the spot prize pool which was made up of $104 of grocery merchandise and $30 cash.

Noted from the Post race questions today was the fact that the Goat Point buoy was very difficult to spot and in the past it has always tested our eyesight.....................so if anyone has an orange buoy (or maybe two) and some easy to handle smooth weights to anchor them and would like to donate them for this Series please contact me at chester.burt@gmail.com and I'll make sure they are put to good use for future races.

Thanks to all who supported and helped others out around the course today it was a little bumpy for some out there. I've given Pete Notman a 2 minute time credit for assisting another paddler in todays race. Thanks to Dave Hicks and Dave Fisher for collecting the buoys after the race today and also Dave Fisher and Sandy for their GPS readings.

Below are the results that were sent into the Dompost, they should appear in the Scoreboard section on Monday or Tuesday providing they have space for us.

Canoeing
Wellington
Race 1, Surf ski and Waka Ama Series
Mana/PlimmertonCourse (7.7 km)
Waka 1 Men: Grant Barriball 46:27,1; Peki Emery 48.03,2; James Sadler 53:24,3; Willie Kappely 53:54,4; Royce Gray 54:15,5; Brendon Comerford 57:31,6.
Waka 1 Women: Chris Fox 52:01,1; Kris Dahl 56:36,2; Ngahuia Henare 57:54,3; Katie Townsend 64:53,4; Gaylene Sciascia 64:66,5; Barbara Rudd 68:27,6.
Waka 6 Men: Team 6 36:56,1; Grandad Terry 42:16.
Waka 6 Juniors: Don't touch my food 58:19,1.
Waka 2 Junior: Anton Taylor/Ryan Kinvig
Waka 1 Junior: Greg Morgan 61:00, 1.
Sea Kayaks Men: Sandy Winterton 46:42,1; Dave Fisher 47:17,2; Pete Notman 52:22,3.
Surf ski: Dave Hicks 39:06,1; Mike Tait 44:12,2; Mark White 51:21,3.

The next race is at Hataitai Beach, Evans Bay on October 18 registration from 9.15am start 10am distance should be between 7 and 8km
entry fee:
$5 singles
$8 doubles
$12 W6's

2009/2010 Races

2009-09-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late posting of these dates though most of you should have recieved these dates a few days ago if you are on the e-mail list, if not contact us and we'll add you to the Group mailouts

Sept 27 Porirua (Ngatitoa Domain)
Oct 18 Hataitai ( Hataitai Beach)
Nov 8 Petone (The Esplanade, opposite Tory St)
Nov 29 Porirua (Ngatitoa Domain)
Dec 20 Petone (Wgtn Waterski Club, by the Motorway)

Buoyancy vests are compulsory either worn or carried on your craft

Race Registration from: 9.15am

All Races Start @ 10.00am sharp

Distances 7 – 8 km

Entry fee:
$5.00 singles
$8.00 doubles
$12.00 O.C.6’s
All entry money goes into the spot prize pool for that race.
Open to All Surf skis, Waka Ama, Sea Kayaks, SUP's, (Stand Up Paddle Boards) Adventure Racing doubles and ocean rowing craft.

NOTE: The above are the dates for pre-Christmas races, the calendar for the New year will be posted early December 2009.
It is anticipated that the New Year races will run from January through to April 2010.

Series Enquires:
Email: chester.burt at gmail.com
or Phone Chester or Sharlene on 04-976-1795
Race Day Contact Number: 0274-581-005

Race 2 Waka Ama Series

2009-08-09T19:48:00.001-07:00

Race 2 was held out by the Kokiri Club by the Motorway again. This weeks course ran parallel to the Petone foreshore up the Hutt river and around the Waione St. bridge and back a distance of 9km.
There was a light NE breeze and the tide was heading out so it was quite shallow across most of the course.
Jörn says the next race will be in about 3 weeks time as they are working around the Waka Ama Worlds Trials.

OC1 Men
Grant Barribal 49:40
Patrick (Paddy)Rimene 50:18
Jörn Scherzer 51:30
Piki Emery 52:30
Joe Nuku 53:30
Tawhana Chadwick 53:42
Paki Rawiri 54:38

OC1 Women
Chris Fox 57:02
Anita Taggart 57:32
Kris Dahl 1:01:10

OC2
Royce & Willie 53:08
Holden & Joe

Surfski
Chester Burt 46:26
Eric Waterson 47:30

If you'd like to compare times on this course scroll back through older Posts at the bottom of the page do this twice and you'll find the last Petone/Seaview race about 2/3's of the way down the page. (Note: the conditions that day were Southerly with the tide being higher)

Waka Ama Races

2009-08-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lateness in adding the below to the Blogspot.

Jörn has taken up the challenge and is running these races and they are open to all paddlers, so your support will be appreciated.

Chester

Attention W1 paddlers
The second instalment of the W1 Harbour Series will be run this Sunday!

Date: Sunday, 9 August

Time: meet at 9.30am, race start at 10am

Where: Petone Foreshore (at the motorway end) in northerly conditions or Oriental Bay Beach (Swimming Pool end) in southerly conditions, venue to be confirmed on Friday evening depending on weather conditions

Distance: ~ 10km

Safety: Paddlers are to ensure that they carry all necessary safety gear, i.e. life jacket, bailer, etc.Cost: nil, just your enthusiasm

Purpose: This event is for those looking for some competition and for those wanting to spice up their W1 training sessions.

The event is open to all paddling craft.

It is intended that the series be run every two to three weeks, until the start of the Surfski and Waka Ama Series that normally runs between October and March.
If you have any questions, please contact Joern Scherzer @ 021-1250997. See you there,Joern
PS: Previous week’s results below:
Series 1
Date 02-Aug-09
Place Petone
Distance 13.2km
OC1
Jörn Scherzer 01:20:00
Rob Taggart 01:21:55
Paki Rawiri 01:22:10
Tawhana Chadwick 01:25:34
Chris Fox 01:25:53
Anita Taggart 01:26:47
Kris Dahl 01:33:24
OC2
Holden & Joe 01:28:24
Royce & Willie 01:28:05

Jörn Scherzer 38 Staithes Drive NorthWhitby 5024Porirua (near Wellington), New Zealand
Phone: +64-4-2359118
Mobile: +64-21-1250997
Email: joern.scherzer@gmail.com

Winter Races

2009-07-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

The Annual Foxton Loop kayak race is on in two weeks time.

This race has been running for about 20 years now and for the last 3 years, has been running the short course of 12km which comprises the pure Loop section (in the old days it used to go up to the Whirokino Bridge on S.H.1 to make it 17km)

Anyhow being a Loop course the start and finish is at the same place and to get to it by heading North into Foxton you turn left at Union St then turn right into Harbour St.
Registration will be at the Hall right by the water from 9.50am till 10.15am.
Briefing is at 10.20am with the race starting at 10.30am.

It's a great little course that meanders through the countryside via the Loop which varies from being about 40 metres wide down to about 2 metres wide, in a short section of the waterway, and of course it pops out onto the Manawatu River as well, which feeds the Loop with varying levels of tidal water.
All good it's raced on the highest spring tide and last year it was flooded so there were a few shortcuts to be had so the times were quite fast, 53 minutes up to about 1hr 25m.

Entry fee is $15 and food and prizes are included in the entry with the event being Sponsored by Quality Kayaks.

Its open to everyone who is keen from K1's to touring kayaks, multisport kayaks, doubles, sea kayaks to surfskis and even an OC6 Waka Ama from Otaki made it through the course in 1995.

For those who are waiting for some races of the Surf ski and Waka Ama variety the schedule will be put together and approved around mid August with the first race starting around the end of September.

Matariki results etc

2009-06-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

Raukawa Comerford has put together results, photos and a list of credits from the Matariki race held on May 30, 2009

Click on the link below to check out the words and visuals

www.wakaama.co.nz/site/story/1001843/

Update of races

2009-06-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

I've just seen another change of date with the Ruamahanga River Kayak race now shifting to Sept 6 which is good as the Tour de Tasman is on that August weekend.

Jun 21 Porirua kayak Duathlon 10k, 8r www.manakayakracing.co.nz/
Jul 5 Porirua kayak Criterium 8-10k www.manakayakracing.co.nz/
July 18 Hawkes Bay Wild water race phild@ths.school.nz
July 19 Ngaruroro River race 19k and 9k phild@ths.school.nz
July 19 Pauatahanui Duathlon 10k,6r www.manakayakracing.co.nz/
Aug 2 Tour da Porirua 200m to 4km kayak www.manakayakracing.co.nz/
Aug 2 Ruamahanga Triathlon 12k,40c,10r the.barbers@xtra.co.nz
Aug 8 Beavertown Badboy kayak race www.marlboroughmultisport.co.nz/
Aug 9 Foxton Loop race 12km mgrant@inspire.net.nz
Aug 23 Petone duathlon 10k,6r www.manakayakracing.co.nz/
Aug 29&30 Tour De Tasman multi stage kayak race www.tourdetasman.co.nz/
Sept 6 Ruamahanga River race 18 and 31 km www.wmsc.org.nz/
Sep 13 Twin Rivers kayak race 21 km www.marlboroughmultisport.co.nz/
Sep 13 Cambridge to Hamilton kayak race 23km www.kayakrace.co.nz/
Sep 13 Wellington 10km kayak champs www.manakayakracing.co.nz/
Sep ? Tom Ehlen Memorial multisport 12 mtb, 5 k, 5 r michael.jacques@paradise.net.nz
Oct 17 Ruamahanga River relay/marathon 64 or 82km www.betterthantv.co.nz/
Oct 25 Whanganui Descent kayak race 22 and 57km www.kururau.50webs.com/

Matariki Race Sat. May 30, 2009.....briefly

2009-05-31T00:46:00.000-07:00

Matariki 2009 was raced yesterday with the 10km race at 9am run in a light southerly and the 21km race in a moderate southerly with the sun bursting through as paddlers approached the finish.

I think there would have been about 50 to 80 paddlers participating in the days racing and the day was well organised by the Hoe Tonga Committee.

Performing various duties leading up to, and on the day were Chris Fox, Raukawa Comerford, Marinna Milanta-Lowrey, Trish Prentice, Katie Townsend, Paora Howe, Averil and many more sorry to those I've left out. Oh yeah and not to forget the peoples who prepared and served the three course meal, yes and you've read that correctly a race with at three course meal the Kai (or food for us Palangis) was just awesome.

The Prize giving was pretty cool, the Maori Tonga which were specially commissioned for Matariki were carved from the native timbers and pounamu, were precious works of art.
If you checked them out, close up, it must certainly inspire you to get involved in the Sport and enter next year with the aim of winning one of these treasures (It shouldn't matter if it's winter or not) Just get out there and put extra clothes On!!!

If you want to get even better value for money from the Wellington City Council, you should enter as they sponsored the race as well. Ray Ahipene-Mercer and Iona Pannet attended the Prizegiving (checking out the Councils great investment into the Sport).

Great event, excellent value for money and great company what more could you ask for.

View photos shot by Sharlene of the 21km race.

Results posted here in the next few days.

Events Update

2009-05-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

The 55km Molokai channel race proved fruitful for Kiwi competitors last weekend.

Katie Pocock won the womens race and was 23rd overall.
Travis Mitchell came home in 5th place, which I think is the best ever performance by a Kiwi male in the race, Paul Wilford came in 12th and Tim Grammer 17th.
For full details on the race http://www.surfski.info/

Well the weather hasn't been spectacularly brilliant for paddling of late, but still it might just clear up nicely for Matariki this weekend. The $25 entry closed on May 22.............but you can still enter this race and pay an extra $15 for late entry.

Below are a few races that I love doing in the supposed off season. I did the Portage race in Picton on May 16 and did o.k.
I paddled my 15kg Fenn XT (fat ski) which was a lot lighter to carry on the portages. I came 6th overall and 2nd in the Vet men.

May 30 Matariki 10 and 27km http://www.wakaama.co.nz/racecalendar/lookup.php?regatta_uid=1000-0000542
June 6/7 NZ Marathon Kayak Champs 21 and 28km Blenheim matt@kowine.co.nz
Aug 9 Foxton Loop race 12km mgrant@inspire.net.nz
Aug 30 Ruamahanga River race 18 and 31 km http://www.wmsc.org.nz/
Sep ? Twin Rivers kayak race 21 km http://www.marlboroughmultisport.co.nz/
Sep 13 Cambridge to Hamilton kayak race 23km http://www.kayakrace.co.nz/
Sep ? Tom Ehlen Memorial multisport 12 mountain bike, 5 kayak, 5 run michael.jacques@paradise.net.nz
Oct 17 Ruamahanga River relay/marathon 64 or 82km http://www.betterthantv.co.nz/

Update of races and calendar

2009-04-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Tai Tonga 41 Marathon (Formerly Baleana Bay Marathon)
Saturday April 25 (Anzac Day) 5km and 10 km races (Evans Bay)check out the details on http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/

Matariki
Saturday May 30 (alternate day Sunday may 31)10km and 25km races (Evans Bay-Mahanga Bay-Matiu Island-Oriental Parade-Evans Bay for the 25km)check out the details http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/

Both races Waka Ama, Surfski and Kayaks check the websites for entry criteria from the Race Organisers.

For those that are wanting to do some kayak harbour/estuary races over the coming months Mana Kayak Racing are supposed to be posting some events on there Club website http://www.manakayakracing.co.nz/ again it's a Kayak Racing club, but hey nothing stopping waka ama, surf skis and seakayaks etc taking to the water as well. I'm sure they will love to see a variety of craft out on the water.

As soon as I find out what races the Mana Club are organising I'll post them on the calendar.

Any queries:
chester.burt@gmail.com

cheers,

Chester

April 25 Tai Tonga 41 Marathon www.hoetonga.co.nz
May 3 Multisport Petone http://www.crazyman.co.nz/
May 16 Portage kayak race http://www.marlboroughmultisport.co.nz/
May 30 Matariki Waka Ama/Surf ski/Sea Kayak http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/
June 6/7 NZ Marathon Kayak Champs (Blenheim) I.Huntsman@xtra.co.nz
June ? Wellington Mid winter kayak race http://www.surfskiandwakaama.blogspot.com/
Aug ? Ruamahanga Duathlon and multisport event http://www.wmsc.org.nz/
Aug 23 Foxton Loop race www.max@q-kayaks.co.nz
Aug 30 Ruamahanga River Kayak race http://www.wmsc.org.nz/
Aug 29/30 Tour de Tasman http://www.tourdetasman.co.nz/
Sept ? Cambridge to Hamilton River race http://www.kayakrace.co.nz/Sept ? Twin Rivers kayak race http://www.marlboroughmultisport.co.nz/
Sept ? Whanganui Descent http://www.kururau.50webs.com/
Oct 17 Ruamahanga kayak marathon/relay http://www.betterthantv.co.nz/

Update of races

2009-03-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

I've updated the calendar from the previous Post so just scroll down to view that.

A Couple of things the latest update on Wellingtons Matariki race, run by Hoe Tonga
There will be a 12km race for under 16 paddlers and an Open race which will be 25km.
The courses haven't been finalised as yet but you can keep checking www.wakaama.co.nz click on the Events calendar to get the latest news.

Last year we ran a Mid Winter downriver kayak race down the Hutt River (well we tried but the upper reaches were a bit boney and we ran a two lap circuit upriver and downriver from Sladden Park)............any how we have not set a date as yet to attempt this again apart from it being in June...............but it will more than likely be around the 21st which I think is also the shortest day.

The courses I'm looking are:
Totara Park Road bridge to Sladden Park 21km
Manor Park to Seaview bridge then back up to Sladden Park 11km

It's a tough one as we pretty much need at least 30 cumecs of water to run a descent race and avoid too many potential dramas, scrapes etc for all paddlers

Other Good events coming up the Portage race in May in Picton (10km kayak, 2km portage, 7km kayak 3km portage, 10km kayak) and NZ Marathon Kayak Champs in June in Blenheim (7km cicuits, 21km juniors & masters 28km Seniors, portages after each lap except last lap) both on great courses in the Marlborough Region.

Don't forget to check out 3 really good websites for motivation www.surfski.co.nz
www.sportzhub.com and www.surfski.info The people who run these sites are legends always new and useful information, articles and races and I love websites that get updated regularly.

Final Race ... Petone - Sunday 15th March 2009

2009-03-15T13:04:00.001-07:00

Race 9,
Surf ski and Waka Ama Series
Wellington Motorway Course (13 km)
Waka Ama O.C.1 Men: Rob Taggart 75:55,1; Peki Emery 77.00,2; Chris Mike 78:10,3; Royce Gray 79:57,4; Star Olsen 84:42,5, Pere Gray 85:45
Waka Ama O.C.1 Women: Anita Taggart 80:12,1; Mereana Mike 80:58,2; Kris Dahl 87:58,3.
Waka Ama O.C.6: Kokiri 63:12,1; Taranaki Whanui 73:30,2; Kokiri Chicks 74:14,3.
Waka Ama O.C.2: Sara Snow/Michelle Warren 79:28,1.
Sea Kayaks Men: Trevor Mc Donald 86:23,1.
Multisport Kayak Men: Glenn Muirhead 66:04,1; Les Morris 67:27,2; Jeff Booth 72:42,3; Brent Harrison 73:20,4; Eric Barber 74:22,5;Sandy Winterton 75:43,6; Dave Fisher 75:46,7; John Allen 76:34,8.
Multisport kayak woman: Dianne Morgan 82:21,1.
Ocean Racing Surf ski: Chester Burt 65:30,1; Craig Anderson 68:13,2; Dave Rudge 70:26,3; Lyall Reedy 72:28,4; Dave Ryde 75:42,5; Mark White 76:27,6; Kevin O'Connor 77:09,7; Wil Van Breda 83:20,8.

Thank you everyone for you support & attendance to our Races over this 2008 / 2009 season

Chester and I have both really enjoyed running these races for you all

Kind regards

Sharlene Winiata & Chester Burt

Race Calender

As more events and dates come to hand I'll post them right away.

Apr 5 Multisport Porirua http://www.poriruagrandtraverse.co.nz/
Apr 5 Wairarapa Mountain Duathlon http://www.wmsc.org.nz/
May 3 Multisport Petone http://www.crazyman.co.nz/
May 16 Portage kayak race http://www.marlboroughmultisport.co.nz/
May 30 Matariki Waka Ama/Surf ski/Sea Kayak http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/
June 6/7 NZ Marathon Kayak Champs (Blenheim) I.Huntsman@xtra.co.nz
June ? Wellington Mid winter kayak race http://www.surfskiandwakaama.blogspot.com/
Aug ? Ruamahanga Duathlon and multisport event http://www.wmsc.org.nz/
Aug 23 Foxton Loop race www.max@q-kayaks.co.nz
Aug 30 Ruamahanga River Kayak race http://www.wmsc.org.nz/
Aug 29/30 Tour de Tasman http://www.tourdetasman.co.nz/
Sept ? Cambridge to Hamilton River race http://www.kayakrace.co.nz/
Sept ? Twin Rivers kayak race http://www.marlboroughmultisport.co.nz/
Sept ? Whanganui Descent http://www.kururau.50webs.com/
Oct 17 Ruamahanga kayak marathon/relay http://www.betterthantv.co.nz/

chester.burt@gmail.com for any other info

Race 8 Ngatitoa Domain

2009-03-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

Paddlers from the Kapiti Mana Area were out in force, as was the wind the blew right down the Country and finally reached Wellington on Sunday. Ngatitoa Domain is always a big hit with the regions paddlers with 60 competing in a range of craft and showing that the Northern Suburbs are the best supporters of our Surf ski and Waka Ama Series races.

Because of "the big wind" today we ran a two lap triangular circuit in the more sheltered confines of the Porirua Harbour and touching into the Pauatahanui Estuary around the State highway one road bridge which gave us a good downwind run and a couple of sections of strong side and headwind near the Northern turn and finish just to keep everyone honest.

The Waka Ama Community have alway been great supporters of ours Series and today we had one of the Sports Legends, Matahi Brightwell, out on the water paddling and steering, Matahi is the Godfather of Waka Ama paddling in New Zealand and he certainly made his presence felt guiding the Gemini crew to first O.C.6 across the line and overall line honours.

As mentioned Gemini took out the O.C.6 mens finishing a good margin ahead of team Fox. The Womens O.C.6 was won convincingly by the Wairere Crew by just over 6 minutes with just a few seconds separating Nga Waka and Team Tracey.
In the O.C 1's Neil O'Brien raced well to finish ahead of Grant Barriball by just over a minute and Anita Taggart toughing it out to finsh ahead of Mereana Mike who finshed 3 minutes back.
In the Sea kayaks, one of the local legends in the multisport scene in Wellington, Brent Harrison showed how it's done finishing just over 5 mintues ahead of one of our Series great supporters Sandy Winterton, who managed to get off the start line this week without an O.C.6 running into him and tipping him out.
On the Surf skis we had Ex pat South Africans, Wil van Breda and Grant Wilson join us, as Craig Anderson said with a gleam, "You guys are from the home of Ocean ski racing." Today the locals managed to keep ahead of them, but this will no doubt change in the near future.

The future generation of paddlers can't be forgotten with the likes of Tuhiwais Krew and Don't touch my food from the Mana Pasifika Club mixing it up with the Senior Crews on the water. Of Course a big thanks to all the Porirua based Nga Waka, Aniuwaru, Toa, Mana Pasifika and Hawaiki Nui Clubs and Kapi-Mana News for spreading the word and giving us the big turnout that we had.

Results:
Race 8, Surf ski and Waka Ama SeriesPorirua Harbour course (10 km)Waka Ama O.C.1 Men: Neil O'Brien 67:08,1; Grant Barriball 68:19,2; John Finch 72:14,3; James Sadler 73:21,4; Pata Brightwell 78:22,5.Waka Ama O.C.1 Women: Anita Taggart 76:24,1; Mereana Mike 79:26,2; Kris Dahl 88:17,3;Waka Ama O.C.6 Men: Gemini 57:51,1; Team Fox 62:53,2;Waka Ama O.C.6 Women: Wairere 70:29,1; Nga Waka Freda's Team 76:38,2; Team Tracey 76:41,2. Waka Ama O.C.6 Junior: Tuhiwai's Mixed Krew 69:01,1; Don't touch my Food 79:06,2.Waka Ama O.C.2 mixed: Dennis Ngatai/Chris Fox 66:10,1; Tuhiwai Hauiti-Parapara/Lisa Barriball 72:23,2. Sea Kayaks Men: Brent Harrison 69:26,1; Sandy Winterton 75:21,2.Ocean Racing Surf ski: Chester Burt 58:11,2; Craig Anderson 61:42,2; Grant Wilson 67:02,3; Wil Van Breda 83:48,4.

Don't forget about the Kayak Rogaine this saturday march 7, 2009 starting at 10 am.

It is based around the Plimmerton, Porirua harbour and Pauatahanui estuary areas.

Craig who paddles surfski with us each race has organised this new event which follows the same principles as a runnng Rogaine.

Basically you get a map of where the checkpoints are, you punch a hole in the map/card using your supplied pointer, you get as many as you can and get back to the start finish line just before the 2 hour mark or you get penalised for every minute you go over.
Check out the website for further details.
http://paddleporirua.pbwiki.com/

craigos@paradise.net.nz for further info also

NZ Ocean Racing Champs

2009-02-22T02:13:00.000-08:00

From Terry at ipaddle NZ who is Organising the event below.

I have attached some info on the NZ Ocean Racing Championship on 21 March 2009 based from Pine Harbour Marina.

The 2009 New Zealand Ocean Racing Championship race has been designed to challenge long distance ski paddlers, down wind surfing skills in the open ocean as all the courses have been plotted based on the wind direction to give a long down-wind paddle.
The final course will be decided on race day.
With the race based at the Pine Harbour Marina competitors will be bused and skis will be taken to the designated starting point, unloaded, line up and race back to finish at Marina.

You can find more info and updates on www.surfski.co.nz and enter online at http://www.ipaddle.co.nz/mainmenu10/page31/Events.html

www.ipaddle.co.nz Sells Honcho and Red 7 Surf skis, and Jantex Paddles

Trans Taupo Race and Kayak Rogaine

2009-02-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

Trans Taupo race.

Neil Gellatly has contacted us to spread the word on his event.
A quick brief the race was run last year for the first time it had particpants on Waka Ama, Surf skis, sea kayaks and Ocean rowing craft.
Craig Anderson from our Series competed in it last year as well as Shane Ross from Wellington.
The race is not a direct across the length of the lake Taupo race ...........it has 3 landbased safety checkpoints that have to be reached on the 44km journey.

All the info is on the website below.

The Trans Taupo is a 44km paddle across the pure crystal mountain fed waters of New Zealand’s (and Australasia's) largest freshwater lake. Open to Sea kayaks, Surf Ski’s Waka-ama and Ocean Rowers, with both Solo (single, double, quad, & W6) and team relay categories for each (with the option of land or open water change-over’s); this event is pinnacle of open fresh water paddling. Visit http://www.transtaupo.co.nz/ to get inspired by the challenge laid forth, and be sure to enter early to secure you place on the start line. The second running of this superb race is on Saturday 28th March 2009.

Kayak/Canoe Rogaine

This one is on Saturday March 7, 2009 and is being organised by Craig Anderson
The event is going to be held around the Pauatahanui Estuary, Porirua Harbour and Plimmerton beach area.
The event is open to Kayaks, Canoes and Waka Ama
The nuts and bolts are it should take around two hours and you have to reach and clip off your card at various checkpoints, you do really well if you reach as many as you can and that there point value is quite high, and you reach the finish before the two hours is up.
For all the entry stuff, rules, maps etc
http://paddleporirua.pbwiki.com/

Race 7 Petone to Matiu Island

2009-02-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Petone Matiu Island course 8 km

A good little Northerly greeted 37 paddlers for race 7 of the Surf ski and Waka Ama Series out at Petone on Sunday morning. The field was made up of fairly even numbers of most craft today, and we had a course that started with a downwind leg out to Matiu Island. The Ocean racing skis lead out with Dave Hicks and Hulio McPike taking quite diffrent lines but both getting to the Southern tip of the Island together with most skis leading the way closely followed by the OC.1's of Neil O'Brien and Joern Scherzer and Jack Wormald (Christchurch) and then Taranaki Whanui and Tu Nui clubs in their Waka Ama O.C.6's.
Once around the back of Matiu Island and in the shelter of the flat water a few dramas started to unfold. I think that the words that were uttered at the briefing of erring on the side of caution and staying wide of any rocks went out the window, temptation got the better of us all and we were tempted by a nice little shortcut between the main island and an offshoot rocky outcrop island. It is always nice to let someone else lead at these times and Hulio made the sacrifice in the lead group of two, and bullseye a rock got his rudder and stopped him in his tracks.
The Waka Ama's didn't go unscathed either with two singles loosing their rudders altogether and a few others getting caught in weed.
Neil, Joern and Jack managed the squeeze through the gap eventually and came out unscathed in the lead group of O.C.1 mens, the Sea Kayaks were happy as they had flip rudders, but mostly at the end of the day sometimes a shortcut to save 15 secs is just really not worth it, listening to the race safety briefing (properly) is sometimes a really good idea.
Most were happy with the shortcut especially those who discovered some sea life in abundance and also those that had a dip in the odd rough patch (just to cool off mind you)
On the return Journey home it was all upwind with a bunch of lumpy roller coaster chop just out from the Island and a persistant but smaller chop and a tough shallow run back to the beach all part and parcel of that section of Foreshore. Dave Hicks, fresh from King of the Harbour lead the Ocean Surf skis home, with Dave Ryde being the leading Surf life saving spec ski home, Joern Scherzer headed the O.C 1's which, as usual produced good numbers and close racing in that field. Mereana Mike lead the O.C.1 womans field in with the much improved Taranaki Whanui O.C. 6 crew claiming there first victory of the Season in O.C.6's.

Great weather, great comaradery and great team work with all paddlers looking after each other. Thanks to all paddlers for assisting the Race Organisers by paddling back out and keeping an eye out and checking those at the tail end of the field.

Results
Race 7, Surf ski and Waka Ama SeriesPetone/Matiu Island course (8.5 km)
Waka Ama O.C.1 Men: Joern Scherzer 51:22,1; Neil O'Brien 51:48,2; Jack Wormald 51:59,3; Peki Emery 56:41,4; James Sadler 56:55,5; Brendan Comerford 63:50,6; Royce Kokiri 70:45,7; Star Olsen 72:46,8; Dennis Ngatai 82:34,9.
Waka Ama O.C.1 Women: Mereana Mike 62:30,1; Kris Dahl 65:23,2; Katie Townsend 82:34,3.
Waka Ama O.C.6 Mixed: Taranaki Whanui 56:56,1; Tu Nui 62:58,2.
Waka Ama O.C.2 Womens: Hine & Amanda Kokiri 70:06,1.
Sea Kayaks Men: Dave Fisher 53:42,1; Sandy Winterton 56:43,2.
Sea Kayak Woman: Dianne Morgan 66:08,1.
Ocean Racing Surf ski: Dave Hicks 43:47,1; Chester Burt 44:20,2; Hulio McPike 44:45,3; Lyall Reedy 49:34,4; Liam Drew 50:52,5;Kevin O'Connor 62:29,6.
Surf Life saving ski: Dave Ryde 51:08,1; Wil Van Breda 68:21,2.

You can view the race article on http://www.surfski.co.nz/ and http://www.sportzhub.com/ results should be in the Dompost "scoreboard" section tomorrow morning.

The next race of the Series is: March 1, 2009 and will be out at Ngatitoa Domain, Mana The course will be 10km and will be around the Plimmerton reef and Bays, Pauatanui Estuary and Porirua Harbour areas.

further info:

Chester or Sharlene 04 976-1795
chester.burt@gmail.com

So far in 2009

2009-02-03T15:34:00.000-08:00

Surf ski demo day

We organised Wellingtons first Surf ski demo day on January 20, 2009 which was held in conjunction with the better than tv twlilight kayak Series run by Shane Ross.

A big thanks to Rob and Hans from Fergs kayaks for their time and providing the Epic skis and stand up paddle board for demos, thanks to Dave Hicks and all the other paddlers on the night who provided support, encouragement and feedback from the night, also Oskar Stielau from Fenn kayaks NZ for providing Great sales and service for myself and all the other Wellington paddlers who have bought skis in the past as well.

When it comes to you next surfski purchase don't be afraid to ask to try out any surf skis to make it easier to find the one that best suits you, just ask any surfski paddler if you can try theirs out after a race or training session. Fergs kayaks Wellington have demo skis available during business hours also.

The next Wellington Surf ski demo day will be in November/Decemeber 2009

Surfski and Waka Ama Series

It's a busy old long weekend this weekend with Waitangi Day on Friday and the sevens on Friday and Saturday as well.

If anyone is still in good health after the 7's or in Wellington for the long weekend, there is our first race for 2009 to come along to.

Sunday February 8, 2009 registration from 9.15 am start at 10 am

Petone Foreshore near the Settlers Museum or to be accurate by the Giant Oars.

The Course is out around Matiu (Somes) Island and return and the distance is approx 8km.

$5 entry singles............doubles through O.C.6's $10 entry.

As usual spot prizes drawn asap after finish.

cheers,

Chester and Sharlene

Races for 2009

2009-01-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

We could only schedule in a limited amount of races in for the second half of the year due to other races that are on around the Country that will be of more interest to paddlers.

There is always the Tuesday night twilight paddle series at Greta Point starts at 6.30 pm
for more info www.betterthantv.co.nz

February 8 Petone and around Matiu Island and return 8 km
March 1 Ngatitoa Domain 12 km
March 15 Motorway course 13 km
May 3O Hoe Tonga Matariki 20km

If the interest is there we may place some more races in April and May leading up to Matariki.

Other races on you can scroll down the page to view.

If you have any queries about our races e-mail chester.burt@gmail.com
or phone Chester or Sharlene on 04 976-1795

Race 6 Petone

2008-12-21T01:22:00.000-08:00

Hi People,
After the last few races, where we had some real summer weather, the paddlers had a culture shock being greeted with a good cold Southerly today, so we changed from our original course to one a bit more sheltered and a bit warmer, and we paddled a two lap course on the Hutt River Estuary.
Based out at Sladden Park, Petone, the river was probably an equal challenge today with a good section of wave trains just over half a metre high, these were assisted by the Southerly blowing one way, and the tide and the Hutt river in flood, both going in the opposite direction.
With only 6 paddlers braving the conditions, it didn't deter some good racing with a bit of cat and mouse being employed and also some local knowledge of where to make the best gains utilising all the conditions, on what is normally a placid flat river.

Hulio McPike and Series co Leader (ski) Craig Anderson were quick out of the blocks testing all the lines on the first lap, but were eventually reeled in by Chester Burt on the last half of the last lap, with the three ski 3 paddlers finishing within 20 seconds of each other

The OC1 Waka Ama's of Grant Barriball and James Sadler, who were less familiar with the river conditions, and also the various flood protection hazards below the waterline, wisely choose slightly wider lines on the downwind legs which left them running into the river flow a bit more and alllowing Sandy Winterton to slip through ahead of them by the finish. James pointed out that "It was the first time this year he had been beaten by a Sea kayak in the Series."

View all the photos from today on the blogspot click on link at bottom of this mail. Results from today.

CanoeingWellington
Race 6, Surf ski and Waka Ama Series
Petone Course (5.6 km)Ocean racing ski: Chester Burt 29:26,1; Craig Anderson 29:35,2; Hulio McPike 29:46,3.
Waka Ama O.C.1 Men: Grant Barriball 38:45,1; James Sadler 40:22,2.
Sea kayaks: Sandy Winterton 38:39,1.

Today being the last race of the Series for 2008 it was time to check to see who was leading each of the catergories. Series Points to date

Surf ski Men Sea Kayak Men
Craig Anderson 26 Dave Fisher 24
Chester Burt 26 Pete Notman 15
Kevin O'Connor 10 Sandy Winterton 8
Sea Kayak WomenDianne Morgan 8

OC1 Women OC1 Mens
Raewyn Anderson 12 Joern Scherzer 28
Mereana Mike 12 Neil O'Brien 17
Anita Taggart 10 Grant Barriball 10

OC 6 Leading Club (total points)Tunui 23 ManaPasifika
Kokiri 16 Kokiri Tai Patu
Taranaki Whanui 8 Tunui a Te Ika

www.surfskiandwakaama.blogspot.com for latest information

Seasons greetings to you all.

Thanks for supporting the Series in 2008 catch up with you all in the New Year, also best wishes to those competing in the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals in mid January.

regards,

Chester and Sharlene

Race 5 Ngatitoa Domain

2008-12-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

Hi All,
Today was the sort of day that helps get people out on the water more often. Ngatitoa Domain again turned on some great weather again today.25 paddlers took to the water compared to the 58 that turned up last time we were here, but the main thing is that we still have an event option for Wellington paddlers which is probably more important.

Forgot this in the e-mailout.................. todays course started out from Ngatitoa Domain and headed out just off the Mana Plimmerton beaches to a buoy turn just at the start of Karehana Bay Plimmerton, it was then back within 100 metres of the start finish to a buoy turn then back around this loop a second time, then back through the channel to the start finish.
Though we didn't get way off shore the benefit was that Sharlene was able to get a few more opportunities to take photos of you all, so I hope they will be viewed and don't foget you can download them off the website link they are on.

It was great to see the double bladed paddlers providing some good numbers today with a range of Sea Kayaks, Ocean racing skis and Surf Lifesaving skis, though the numbers aren't as large as those provided by Waka Ama paddlers it is good to see the numbers increasing. For all the information on the Series just check the website http://www.surfskiandwakaama.blogspot.com/.............. it's one of those websites where everything is keep up to date it.................nothing worse than Organisations having wbesites and nothing changes on the damned things aye!!!!

Anyhow you can view todays race photos on it...............you can also check tomorrows Dompost Scoreboard section for the results as well...............if they are not in tomorrow they will be there on Tuesday.
Hey thanks to the boys in the Don't touch my food crew and of course Dennis Ngatai for steering them in the right direction they certainly have an eye for the spot prizes but did miss the $20 cash prizes that we had last time at Ngatitoa...................like I said if you want the money you have to bring more of your mates along to boost the entry numbers :-)

Good effort today from Craig Anderson who had the best wave of the day back to the finish by timing the boat wake to perfection and took his lead of 4 seconds up to nearly a minute over the final 300 metres showing us how it's done...............you gotta watch out for this guy.

A busy period at the moment for the Waka Ama crews preparing for the Sprint Nationals, lots of training going in for these and it is also a lot harder for you guys to come out to do a long distance race when most of you have just finished a session of speed work less than an hour earlier, your presense today was very much appreciated.

Our last race for 2008 is from the Petone Foreshore (by the large Rowing Oar monument)
The course will be out around Matiu Island and back with the distance being approx 8 km Sunday December 21 is the date for that one, take it easy on me that day I'll be another year older by then.............. no birthday presents please :-)

Below are the results from todays race............................ and below that is the schedule for our races and a few others for next year.

cheers,

Chester

Canoeing
Wellington
Race 5
Surf ski and Waka Ama Series
Ngatitoa/Plimmerton Course Course (8.1 km)
Waka Ama O.C.1 Men: Joern Scherzer 44:58,1; Rob Taggart 47:03,2; Grant Barriball 47:06,3; George Faalogo 47:23,4; Chris Mike 51:21,5.
Waka Ama O.C.1 Women: Mereana Mike 51:10,1; Selena Katene 57;36
Waka Ama O.C.2 mixed: Greg Morgan/Mandy Hatton 46:02,1.
Waka Ama O.C.6 Juniors: Don't touch my food 47:02,1.
Sea kayaks: Dave Fisher 50:31,1; Sandy Winterton 54:55,2; Diane Morgan 57:15
Surf Life Saving ski: Mike Tait 44;47,1; Dave Ryde 44:53,2; Mark Walter 51:17,3.
Ocean racing ski: Craig Anderson 40:16,1; Chester Burt 41:13,2; Liam Drew 43;10,3; Kevin O'Connor 47:57,4.

Dec 7 Ngatitoa Domain 7km Wellington SS & WA Series
Dec 21 Petone Foreshore 8km Wellington SS & WA Series
Jan 31 King of the Harbour Auckland
Feb 8 Petone Matiu 9km Wellington SS & WA Series
Feb 13 -15 Takapuna Cup Auckland WA
Feb 21 Nelson Lakes Nelson WA
Feb 22 Takapuna BC surf ski champs Auckland
Mar 1 Ngatitoa Domain 10 km Wellington SS & WA Series
Mar 7 Porirua canoeing rogaine (2 hours)
Mar 15 Motorway course 13 km Wellington SS & WA Series
Mar 21 N.Z surf ski champs Pine Harbour Auckland
Mar 28 Trans Taupo Turangi - Taupo
Apr 3 - 5 Waka Fest Tauranga WA and SS
April 5 Porirua Grand Traverse multisport race
April ? NZ Marathon kayak champs
May 2 Crazyman multisport race
May 16 Portage race Picton
May 17 Molokai to Oahu World Champs Hawaii
May 30 Hoe Tonga Matariki race 25 km Wellington

Updated Race Calendar

2008-12-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Just an update of the remaining races for 2008 and also the races we are putting on in 2009.

Included are a few other Regional and International races.

We will only run 3 races in the New Year as we are heading up North to do some races up there ourselves along with others, so as you can see the schedule is pretty full.

Also refer to http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/ and http://www.wakaama.co.nz/ for more Waka Ama races, as well as http://www.surfski.info/ for more of the International Surf ski races.

Long Distance race calendar

Dec 7 Ngatitoa Domain 7km Wellington SS & WA Series
Dec 21 Petone Foreshore 8km Wellington SS & WA Series
Jan 31 King of the Harbour Auckland
Feb 8 Petone Matiu 9km Wellington SS & WA Series
Feb 13 -15 Takapuna Cup Auckland WA
Feb 21 Nelson Lakes Nelson WA
Feb 22 Takapuna BC champs Auckland
Mar 1 Ngatitoa Domain 14km Wellington SS & WA Series
Mar 7 Kayak/Canoe Rogaine (Craig Anderson)
Mar 15 Motorway/Matiu Island 20km Wellington SS & WA Series
Mar 21 N.Z surf ski champs Pine Harbour Auckland
Mar 28 Trans Taupo Turangi - Taupo
Apr 3 - 5 Waka Fest Tauranga WA and SS
April ? NZ Marathon kayak champs Wgtn or Blenheim
May ? Portage race Picton
May 17 Molokai to Oahu World Champs Hawaii
May 30 Matariki Wellington

cheers,

Chester and Sharlene

Race 5 Hataitai Beach

2008-11-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

Well Race 5 wasn't a happening thing today with Myself, Sharlene, James Sadler, Rob Taggart and joined by Graham Finch, we adjourned to Babylon (Oriental Parade) for coffee...............as you do (o.k. I had my regular tea)
(Sorry forgot to take some photos of us all relaxing drinking our coffee and tea)

Many of our people were either racing at Kaiteriteri in the weekend or heading over to Vaka Eiva in Rarotonga. It must be said that though it is important to partake in a local Series it is just as important that people race outside of our area or if not doing that just getting out and training or paddling for fitness is just as important.

After our pit stop this morning I went out to pull the buoys back in and Sharlene had the opportunity to have her first spin on the Fenn XT surf ski...................she went great guns on it.
The Fenn XT like the Epic V10 sport are a little wider and have a flatter rounder hull and offer more stablity than the skinnier Mako 6 and Epic V10's.

I better watchout as I may be on the sidelines more often and Sharlene out on the water at the races!

Hey on the regular news paper reads recently, I came across the Wellington College Sports awards (Dompost) nominations and reps for Waka Ama were:

Tapita Elkington Mana
Marika McDonald Otaki
Tekira Crystal Porirua
Katie Teau-Ropata Wgtn High

the above were all noted for there paddling achievements.

Daniel Albert Aotea
Cereace Wallace Wgtn East
Katie Teau-Ropata Wgtn High

the above were all mentioned as NZ Reps

With so much young talent there, we welcome those above and all other students to get involved in the Series and I'm sure they will be competitive with the older ones and we will all watch out for each other and mentor them.

Well the next race is about 3 weeks away now, and will be at Ngatioa Domain, Mana on December 7.

We had the best support ever out at Ngatitoa Domain last time, so look forward to racing out there again, and hopefully the weather is kind to us again..................not that today was that bad really...................hey we live in Wellington!

To the Mana Pasifika and Kokiri club members racing over at Vaka Eiva in Raro, have a good one over there.

If anyone would like some extra paddling either competively or leisurely with a whole bunch of paddlers the better than t.v. twlight kayak Series is on every Tuesday and starts at 6.30 pm sharp.

If it is a......................... Southerly it will be on Oriental Parade.......................Northerly it will be from Hataitai beach.

The distance is normally around 7 kms click on the link on the right hand side of the page for further details.
If you want to see some girls clean up over a whole field of guys come down for a look and watch Maryanne Archer and Jill Westenra paddle (If some of the guys got off there butts and did as much training as Maryanne does they may stay in front of her)

In our next Post we'll detail a good list of Surf ski and Waka Ama Races that are well worth travelling to up North to.

cheers,

Chester and Sharlene