Inter-Region W1's long-distance series

Kia ora Waka Ama Whanau, I'm interested in starting a Inter-Region W1's long-distance series.

I'm excited about the possibility of paddling all around North and south coastal beaches.

We have prime area's up North which provide awesome surf runs e.g Ahipara, Hokianga, Ngunguru, Sugar-loaf, Paihia, Whangarei Heads
and Opua.

I'm sure also that you guys have your secret spots. I'm excited about really exploring W1 long-distance paddling and learning the
art of surfing and catching swell. I feel its time to lift our sites above just sprinting and being able to create a fun and exciting competition through W1 paddling.

I am looking at distances being between 17-25kms. This would make it worth while people traveling. I've spoken to Tyrin, Conan and Goodyear boyz informally about Open Ocean paddling and we all agree we need more long-distance W1 races. I've spoken to paddlers around North and in Auckland and they are keen as to look at participating. Your feedback would be much appreciated

Aroca and Roto hoe Whanau

The proposal i would like feedback on:
The possibilities to have Auckland/Rotorua and Taitokerau Host one W1 17km or 25km race once a month on the odd week of the Aroca and Roto hoe series. With a rotation system in hosting the event.

If you feel its to late for this year that's fine. but lets start planning
now for 2009. Look forward to your responses.

Contact
Clayton Wikaira
Mobile 021 681-993
Email: cwikaira@nhl.co.nz

Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)

Reader Comments

1. Chur, so everyone has got a opinion.
   Now lets start to put it together. Clayton mentioned that we all have our own local runs that we like to do. It is now a case of sharing those runs with the rest of us. We need all of those runs relayed to Clayton (sorry bro), so we can look at what our options are. Distances, Portages, required tides, swell and wind directions etc and if you are happy to facilitate your local one.
   
   So jot down what you can offer and lets get racing.
   Dodgiebro - 07-Mar-2008
2. Kia ora! all good comments bro, so when this all guna start, I'm keen az!
   Keen Az - Porirua - 07-Mar-2008
3. Kia ora Jean, Well that's up to the steering committee and capability of the paddler. But definitely those that want to compete in the Aito or Super Aito will definitely need to be paddling a Tahitian design and experiencing paddling in the chop and swell. I know Tyrin Thomas, George Thomas, Shanon Moon paddled in the Aroca series Rudderless. But hopefully Jean we can get abit more experience in rugged condition. Thanx for your support!!!
   Clayton - 07-Mar-2008
4. Kiaoara Clayton sounds good bro , i can invite sme paddlers From Tahiti . Is it Ruddlers ? Jean Tetohu. Kiaora .
   Anon Paddler - 06-Mar-2008
5. sounds goods
   yea we had more w1 races
   paddler 4 now - 06-Mar-2008
6. Look at this our sites starting to look like OC paddle a pak of mownerz and cry babyz u guyz eva wounderd why we cant catch the top guyz at paddling. Thatz because there training and we,er on the computer lol. Letz all just get out there and paddle. Flat water or down wind itz all gota be good for each and every one of us. Fittness is the key wen ur fit every else comes alot ezyer.
   Ripper - 06-Mar-2008
7. Just do it nemind all these people if you are going to run a race just do it the numbers will add up in the end!!!!!!!!
   Anon Paddler - 06-Mar-2008
8. You have opened a great can of worms there Clayton.
   Yes it is time that NZ looked at joining the rest of the waka paddling world...There is far more to Waka than flat water races or in-harbour races in calmish waters.
   And yes there will be the few that will struggle to take off their trainer wheels and head out to those waters... that test the mind, the skill and fitness. Lets learn to become one with Nature...again...just like our ancestors did.
   However we do need to be educated,and there are only a few with the skills, that know how to survive at what nature can throw at them. So..maybe we start with seminars and structured paddling session, much like white water kayaking. Those dudes (and dudesses) ride some mean water with rocks to contend with. They too have to contend with the cold and can be miles from a public road.
   It is not up to Clayton to carry the country...our National body needs to take charge, so that ...things are done right. If not, then a separate co-body could be created and they can organize such education seminars and racing events. There is only so much Maggie and Co can do for the Nation. I think Surf lifesaving would be a great start for training info.
   Our regions could run 10km races in modrate to rough conditions and then assess paddlers to see if they are up to taking on the big stuff. they can give clearance to those that show ability and skill in such conditions. If this is structured then I do not see the Coast Gaurd taking offence to these races. I hope they would embrace the education and learning of the new breed of open water paddling/sailors.
   Maybe we need to work towards goals... like a big Aotearoa asault on Hamo!
   Are the regions able to identify those with the right skills and who can communicate the much needed learning, so that this can all go ahead.
   Clayton mate, don't get burried in the sleeves rolled up stuff. You want to paddle as much as anyone else. lets all share the Mahi on this one. I will put my hand up to help (a moderation group) create a learning manual and assessment sheet and maybe a set of structured training sessions. What skills can you guys share to make Claytons passion a reality?
   M.A.H.I. = Making Aotearoa Happen Internationally - 06-Mar-2008
9. There's only a small problem in different ways when Hawaii or Raro hold races. The water is still warm and here in NZ the only time conditions are ideal is in the middle of winter. So the problem is we need to get around the Coastguards etc to prove to them we can do this in these types of conditions. This is an awesome idea but just need to consider the complications of harbour masters, coastguards etc. To some of them it may be considered dangerous, to others yeah this is what we have been waiting for. Te Moana ocean series are hoping to run again just finding dates to slot in. The Roozendaal boys hold offshore OC1 racing at the Mount once or twice a month, covering at least 15km and the swells have definately been there. The next one is April 22nd at 12pm. Go along I'm sure it will be beneficial for all. It's great cos it caters for the novice person too. It's all to promote offshore racing. Have a paddle and few beers afterwards, try out one another's canoes. It's massive. It's exactly what this thread is talking about.
   Paddler without a canoe - 05-Mar-2008
10. A great concept that I hope gets support and backing from the local/regional bodies and even National body.
    
    Would be keen for something like this down in Welly or even across the Cook Strait.
    HX Crew - 05-Mar-2008
11. The Miti Boyz, you are right, i don't know clayton. I have just seen a lot of ideas like this in the past, and the people with the ideas have never followed through. Clayton i hope you prove me wrong. It would great to have a series of events like this!!! I will be watching the race calendar...
    sour puss - 05-Mar-2008
12. To sour puss. Mate, you obviously don't know Clayton!! One of the most commited men to this sport along with his Whanau and Club. If anyone can lead this and give it vision, Clayton can. Clayton, hit it mate, and any paddler wanting to have a go will be there with bells on.
    The Miti Boyz - 05-Mar-2008
13. Just do it
    As long as look good - 05-Mar-2008
14. Well put
    Wave - 05-Mar-2008
15. fantastic idea clayton.its about time we get something like this done in NZ...we are so behind in w1 long dist racing..the tahitians, hawaiians all do long dist courses of 12km and above..with the amount of surfin oc1ʻs around now, iʻm sure youʻll have alot of people signing up to race in this comp.
    maz - 05-Mar-2008
16. Yeh and hes rudderless as well
    Wave - 05-Mar-2008
17. shot bro i think this would lift the level of paddling not only in the long distance but also bring a new flava to new zealand waka ama shot bro and booo to those who dismiss this alsome idea simply because of there inconfidence or lack of experience. so shot brotha
    tero bumb - 05-Mar-2008
18. come on guys get it together so it can start look at the young paddler in the photo surfing down that wave he is only 17 come on......
    Better Now than Never - 05-Mar-2008
19. If the sport is to grow in this country and we are going to go over seas to compete in the big races ie hamo, molokai, ito,in one man races then we really do need something like this. sprint are alright but thats only one week in january time to take the next step
    Wave - 05-Mar-2008
20. Go for it this year Bro Clayton ASAP i think it would be awesome to see everyone out there in the ocean and then when us NZ people go over to race in international races we wont have a disadvantage as we would have the practice of surfing here in NZ so i think get it underway ASAP.
    
    Anon Paddler - 05-Mar-2008
21. Kia ora Clay,
    Bro I say, just do it. Dont worry about all the frogys with their "yeah but, yeah but". As long as safety is your number one priority, you wont go wrong.
    Fellow organiser - 05-Mar-2008
22. Sounds great Clayton,it would be great to do down wind races with great swells behind you and just having a awesome time with your bros,this is much more appelling then working your butt off into it or having some side on slush messing up your day, really what would you prefer !!
    FLYDATAMA - 05-Mar-2008
23. so are you going to follow through on your idea, or are you expecting others to run it for you ?
    sour puss - 05-Mar-2008
24. Well in the mean time I'll be training and trying out on the open ocean in anticipation of this actually starting up either this year or next year. Keen az!
    Inexperienced Open Ocean Paddler
    Anon Paddler - 05-Mar-2008
25. I remember talking to 2 fisherman in a pub in Kaitaia years ago who had just come back from a day's fishing off the west coast, they felt the seas where becoming to big and decided to call it a day, when out of no where 7 miles "not kms" over a large swell paddled the late great Bo Herbet, the locals new him and decided if he thinks he is safe in his OC1 with no spray skirt on, no life jacket, and only a smile and a singlet, then so must they be ......they said fished on and had a good days fishing, but never forgot the site of Bo Herbert disappering through the large swells heading home to Pawarenga to milk his cows.....lol.
    broken down old off shore paddler. - 05-Mar-2008
26. I feel this should have started years ago, the distance could be shorter, untill some paddlers with the ability, but not the open sea experience can adjust. I use to paddle among the sharks and trade winds off shore frequently, and while it appears like fun, there is alot to consider if you have little, to no experience, or your waka is not designed to the conditions, or you think you are a born again Tahitian and can paddle these conditions without a rudder, 5k can quickly turn to 15k, the Ahipara paddlers can tell you all about that. but still this a wonderful concept worth following up on, this is where the waka ama sport should be, I will be behind it all the way.
    broken down old off shore paddler. - 05-Mar-2008
27. Great idea bro but lets sort out the paddling year/season first, sprints , w1's , marathons ,middle distance which part of the does all this compliment each other .
    PI - 04-Mar-2008
28. Whoz that hater going on about safty and inland paddlerz finding it hard to paddle in the ocean. This is why N.Z teamz get caught out over seaz and itz simply cause of this fact we dont race in the open ocean enough flat or down wind we just need more time in it and the simple safty fact is if u dont feel confident dont race until u do.And az for inland paddlez Team Goodyear are a perfect example from Rotorua but can paddle in both lake and ocean so lets get behind this whanau this is a great chance to catch up to the rest of the world. well done Clayton.
    Geoff - 04-Mar-2008
29. Enthusiasm is a good thing-however before you can obtain support for your well supported concept, you need to put together a proposal. Pure reason being so as the experienced paddlers/event organisers out there can then offer suggestions.
    Factors you might want to consider:
    - Cost
    - Location
    - Accommodation?
    - Amenities
    - Permission required (land)
    - Distance/time for paddlers to travel
    - Timing
    - SAFETY eg: Will support boats be required (cost)
    - Divisions
    - Weather
    - Tidal conditions
    - Food
    ... just to name a few.
    
    Bare in mind a lot of paddlers also do other sports thru the winter as well.
    
    Dont get me wrong, I along with an awful lot out there support the concept. Of course we who enjoy paddling open water would certainly love to see more OC.1 events. So long as the location is suitable and the cost is affordable.
    Hope this helps.
    Shaye - Auckland - 04-Mar-2008
30. Never too Late,awesome idea,those who who enjoy the sport will no doubt turn up on the day! "Lets see for 2008"
    Awesome - 04-Mar-2008
31. Great to see something like this work with Waka Fest, Takapuna Cup, King of the Harbour and other events to build on existing events. Take the distances up too! Push the top paddlers
    Keen as - 04-Mar-2008
32. It will be a big jump for all the inland sprinters, and the lack of experience may get people into trouble. safety will be a huge issue. Start small to give everyone the opp to get better at it.
    Safety official of the year - 04-Mar-2008
33. Awesome idea Clayton..Thats definately something that'll get a lot of people excited about OC1 paddling. Cmon regions, lets get together and organise something. Its a lot easier to organise W1 events than W6, and with 90+ OC1/OC2 at the recent Takapuna Beach Cup, Im sure the numbers will come..
    Anon Paddler - 04-Mar-2008
34. MEAN! Think its a great idea! Would you need to be an experienced open ocean paddler?
    Anon Paddler - 04-Mar-2008
35. Mean idea! We are keen as, pity the ocean series we had last year here in BOP isnt still going but tautoko this idea - we will be there!
    Anon Paddler - 04-Mar-2008
36. Great idea, just need everyone to front up, be prepared to travel, do shuttle runs. Bring it!
    Anon Paddler - 04-Mar-2008