Just a reminder, the first race of the series will be run on Sunday, 13 May, at Ngati Toa, meet 9.15am.

The weather forecast is for 25knots norwester. The race course will likely be in the inlet, possibly Ngati Toa to Onepoto, return, and to do two laps of that.

For more details, click here.

Pssst, the Welly Paddlers Series is back!

This year Chester Burt & Sharlene Winiata, Turi Hodges, and Jörn Scherzer have combined their efforts to make sure you keep on top of your paddling game. No excuses!

The popular series now has a major sponsor, Fergs Kayaks at www.fergskayaks.co.nz, who can help you with all the gear for your paddling needs. Depending on attendance at the races we are looking at a spot prize pool worth more than $700.

Chester and Sharlene will run 2 races in Wellington Harbour,  Turi will run 3 races at Onepoto, Jörn will run 2 races at Ngati Toa domain. In case of the events around the Wellington Harbour, the exact venue will be confirmed a couple of days before each event, make sure to check http://www.hoetonga.co.nz or www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz.

Race dates and venues:

1. Sunday, 13 May (Ngati Toa domain) – Organiser: Jörn
2. Sunday, June 3 (Onepoto) – Organiser: Turi
3. Sunday, June 24 (Onepoto) – Organiser: Turi
4. Sunday, July 15 (Onepoto) – Organiser: Turi
5. Sunday, Aug 5 (Wellington Harbour) – Organiser: Chester & Sharlene
6. Sunday, Aug 26 (Ngati Toa domain) – Organiser: Jörn
7. Sunday, Sep 16 (Wellington Harbour) – Organiser: Chester & Sharlene

Time: meet at 9.15am, race start at 10am (to allow those travelling from Wairarapa, and as far away as Palmerston North to get here)

Distance: ~ 10km (or 5km for SUPs)

Safety: Paddlers are to ensure that they carry all necessary safety gear such as life jackets and are trained in self-rescue techniques! There will not be any support boats, however, the course will be set to ensure suitable conditions.

Cost: For most races, the participation fee is $5 for singles and doubles, $10 for W6, all money goes towards spot prizes. Turi’s races will be run as a fundraiser for Worlds 2012.

Prizes: There will be several cool spot prizes, in total worth more than $700, to be handed out at the final event. Importantly, if you end up with the wrong size or would like to upgrade, you will be able to do that at Fergs Kayaks.

For each race you attend, you will gain one point. The more points you gain, the higher the chance of winning a spot prize. So don’t miss out!

What is it about: This event caters for all types of paddlers. It’s primarily about participation and catching up with your paddling mates but those looking for some competition will find what they are looking for. Spice up your training sessions!

Paddling craft: Open to all paddling craft, including outriggers, surfskis, and SUP. The series runs during the Winter season between May and September.

Notices and results: announced at http://www.hoetonga.co.nz and at www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz, results are posted within three days of the event.

Contacts: If you have any questions, please contact Chester Burt @ 022 645 58 20, Turi @ 021 685 625, or Jörn Scherzer @ 021 125 09 97.

On behalf of Waka Ama New Zealand, it is our privilege to host the New Zealand Post National Waka Ama Long Distance Championships 2012.

What you need to know

• View the entries (entries closed on Sunday, 15 April)
• Panui 1 – includes information on race courses and distances, divisions, entries, canoe hire, volunteers, travel, accommodation
• Waka hireage agreement (for clubs looking at bringing/loaning canoes)
• Event programme
• Panui 2 – includes information on race programme, event site, after-function, supporters, safety requirements, race rules
• Panui 3 – last words

Key information

• Date: 21 & 22 April
• Venue: Mana/Ngati Toa Domain (Porirua, 20km north of Wellington)
• Distance: 25km W6 and 15km W1 (minimum, preferably to/around Mana Island)
• Who: This is an ocean race catering primarily for experienced teams and paddlers! However, we will have an inner harbour short course for less experienced teams.
• Organiser: Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association
• Questions/queries: hoetonga@gmail.com
• Unable to supply your own canoe? Please contact hoetonga@gmail.com (put “canoe hire” in subject line)

Supporters

www.taipaddles.co.nz

www.eatme.net.nz

www.fergskayaks.co.nz  (suppliers of Groundswell Paddles, contact RetailWN@fergskayaks.co.nz)

www.fergskayaks.co.nz  (suppliers of Groundswell Paddles and waka ama and kayak gear, contact RetailWN@fergskayaks.co.nz)

When: Saturday, 28 April

Where: Evans Bay

What: 10km and 5km races

Info: click here to download the race information pack

Entries: you can register on the day, but enter by 20 April for the discounted entry fee.

The national event to be held in our waters is making some waves, check out the article (click here).