Team Makaira, invitation to paddlers to join trainings

Team Makaira would like to invite all paddlers in the region (and in particular around Porirua Harbour) to join in on training sessions.

At this stage we are training Thursday nights at 6pm (meet 5.50pm) and Sunday mornings (meet 8.30am) at Mana. As we are sometimes short, for those open men keen to participate and paddle in W6, please contact either Matt Archer on 027-485 55 20, or Joern Scherzer on 021-1250997.

For those wanting to bring along their own team, please do so, no matter what club you paddle under.

There is nothing more effective and fun during trainings if two teams are neck and neck with each other.

Monday-Wednesday at 6pm and Friday at 4.30pm  team members will focus on single training, also leaving (normally) from Mana. Contact Joern Scherzer if you want to hook up.

For those days where the W1 Harbour Series is scheduled, our training will link in with that race.

Mana Ocean Challenge photos and results

The Mana Ocean Challenge kicked off in spectacular fashion on Saturday 30 April at Mana.  The inaugural downwind race, sponsored by Trish Tamapeau at REMAX, Groundswell Paddles, and Fergs Kayaks, attracted a mixed field of outriggers, surfskis and sea kayaks from as far away as Nelson and Whangarei.

The competitors made their way from Mana to the finish line at Paraparaumu Beach, with a moderate southerly wind at their backs and plenty of sun. The infamous and rugged stretch of coastline provided plenty of challenges along the way for all competitors. Coming out of Mana, conditions were nearly flat due to the hills providing some shelter from the southerly. However, swell conditions increased rapidly and by the time paddlers passed Pukerua Bay (about 11km into the race), the swell was pumping. These conditions lasted until about Raumati South. While the last 10km were nearly flat, the surf coming into Paraparaumu Beach made for a fun finish.

http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649

Following the race, competitors and volunteers enjoyed a three-course meal at Monteiths Brewery Bar at Mana before awards and spot prizes were handed out.

Congratulations to the organisers Jörn Scherzer and James Sadler who executed this event with a great deal of thought and preparation. As a result the paddlers were well looked after throughout the race.

Surfski paddler Nathan Faa’vae, who competes in many national endurance events, gave it his thumbs up. He challenged others to get out there to do as many events as possible building confidence and experience. He looks forward to defending his surfski title in 2012.

A huge thank you goes to all the volunteers that made race day a success: Rob Taggart (race director), Chris Fox (comms), Mike Martin, Glynda Martin, Tanya Scherzer and Kathlene Rimene (photography), Dennis Ngatai, Anna Ngatai and Tina Masoe (registration). Support boat drivers Matt Archer and Murray Leacock and the Mana Coastguard ensured that everyone that went out got back in.

Here the top three finishers for each division:

OC1 Men: 1st Joern Scherzer 2:44:53, 2nd George Fa’alogo 3:06:57, 3rd Paddy Rimene 3:18:45
OC1 Women: 1st Anita Taggart 3:26:13
Surfski Men: 1st Nathan Faavae 2:17:54, 2nd Aaron Cox 2:21:57, 3rd Marty McDowell 2:23:33

Mana Ocean Challenge, 29km downwind, are you game?


When: Saturday, 30th April 2011

Weather forecast: The long-range forecast is looking good, with lots of sun and south-easterlies forecast for the Mana and Kapiti area.

Where: Mana, Porirua (Wellington)

What: 29km, downwind

Who: W1 and surfskis, also open to W2 and W6, experienced paddlers only

Why: Wellington has no shortage of wind, show us what you are made of!

Entries due: Extended until 25 April (due to Easter holidays). Payment (or proof of payment) must be received by that date to secure your place.

Spot prizes: Over $1,500 worth in spot prizes, including a full-carbon GROUNDSWELL paddle!

Click here to download the full race information package.

Click here to download an MSWord version of the entry form.

Coordinators
Jörn Scherzer: 021-1250997 or mana.ocean.challenge@gmail.com
James Sadler: 021-717017 or mana.ocean.challenge@gmail.com

Sponsors

For information about Groundswell paddles, please contact leonrossbotham@hotmail.com.

For buying or selling property from Tawa to Pukerua Bay, please contact Trish Tamapeau at REMAX Villa Real Estate Ltd: trishremax@clear.net.nz or 0274 488 903.

For all your paddling gear requirements, go to www.fergskayaks.co.nz.

Lost Paddles: Onepoto

If anyone finds some paddles down at Onepoto that fit this description – thecould they contact Tere please:  
One is a Xylo blade with ‘Tuvaine’ engraved on the handle and the other is just a basic wooden paddle (they were together) 
This would be much appreciated 
Tere 
Tere Hodges-TulepuCustomer Delivery Functional ExpertEnterprise Transformation Programme
DDI: 04 4393731
Mob: 021 829 095
Fax: 0800 201 202
Email: tere.hodges-tulepu@hnzc.co.nz

CANCELLATION: Secondary Schools Waka Ama Sprint Champs – Wellington

It is with regret Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association will be cancelling this regatta on Saturday due to the weather that is expected to disrupt what would have been a fantastic day. 

Unfortunately with the high wind gusts and rain predicted for Saturday, the conditions on the water and during the day would prove very challenging. Sunday regrettably is not looking any better for paddling at Onepoto.   

Today
At 9am today the Sustained wind speed was Northerly 55kts with highest gust 75kts.
Earlier at 8am is was Northerly 55 with Gusts to 64kts.
Porirua
Saturday:
Northwest rising to 25 knots gusting 30 knots, then easing to 15 knots in the evening. Periods of rain.
Change to southerly 35 knots overnight. Periods of rain. 

Sunday: Southerly 35 knots easing to 25 knots in the evening. Rain easing to showers. Monday: Southerly 25 knots, gradually dying away. Showers clearing. 

Hoe Tonga would like to thank all those who have offered their assistance and services this weekend (support boats, caravans, tents, waka etc) and wish all paddlers success at the National Secondary Schools Waka Ama Sprint Champs in a couple of weeks time.  

Please pass this cancellation notice on to all involved, my apologies if you have received twice. 

Chris Fox
Hoe Tonga – Vice-President
Mob: 027 651 5379

Amendment to Mixed Division Entries – Hoe Tonga Secondary Schools

Regarding the Mixed W6 division – we have amended our earlier registration confining entry to co-ed Secondary Schools to allow the single sex schools to put in a mixed entry.  In addition those paddling in single sex crews who want to join to make a mixed team will not be charged for the mixed team entry, effectively meaning each paddler will pay $15pp for this regatta.  Those paddlers only competing in mixed division will still need to pay a team entry of $90.00. 

UNDER 16 W6 Mixed Teams  (amended) This division is applicable to co-ed secondary schools  (same School) and those single sex schools who wish to form a mixed team. All mixed teams must consist of 6 paddlers, this includes a steerer and have 3 BOYS (Same School) and 3 GIRLS (same school) .

  • Teams will be able to paddle two events 250m and 500m turn race in J16 division
  • If your school cannot field an entire UNDER 16 team and you need to mix UNDER 16 with UNDER 19 then the team must register as a UNDER 19 team.
  • One UNDER 19 paddler in a UNDER 16 team constitutes the team to be registered as a UNDER 19 team.  

UNDER 19 W6 Mixed Teams (amended) This division is applicable to co-ed secondary schools  (same School) and those single sex schools who wish to form a mixed team. All mixed teams must consist of 6 paddlers, this includes a steerer and have 3 BOYS (same school) and 3 GIRLS (same school).  

  •  Competitors must be Full time Secondary School Students under 19 as at 1 January 2011
  • Competitors may only compete for one school at this regatta. This must be the school at which they are enrolled and attend full time.

‘Out on the Beach’ Waka Ama

Tunui a Te Ika Waka Ama Club are supporting ‘Out on the Beach’ Friday 18 March as part of  the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames Festivities.

The Outgames are hosted in Wellington from Saturday 12 March – Saturday 19 March 2011 and offer a variety of  sports, cultural activities and fun, see: http://www.wellingtonoutgames.com/home for more details and information.

Tunui a Te Ika club members will be providing an introduction to waka ama from 1 -3 pm and is just one of the many activities being held at Oriental Beach on Friday 18 March.