Inter-regional W1's long-distance needs more discussion and we need to set up a steering committee to discuss the possibilities of implementing it next year. Yes we need to be honest it's going to take a bit of planning to ensure the success and sustainability of this type of competition. So the plan is for now those that are attending the 28kms Waka fest in Tauranga and are keen to participate. I suggest we have an informal meeting of those who would like to see this happen and bring your input and ideas there. From there we can set another date and venue to go into more depth on how to make it happen.

In the meantime there are many paddlers from Hokianga up North down to Wellington who are already doing Surf runs. Please don't stop because I won't be. If there was one thing I've taken from the late Bo Herbert was this "What you learn 5mins in the rough will take you two years in the flat". What I want to establish now is an email of networks of different areas doing surf runs so others could hook-up and participate. If we all registered key people and areas doing surf runs then informal racing and experience can start.

Example:

Surfing runs in:
NORTHLAND:
Northland from Hokianga to Whangarei Heads:
Contact person Clayton Wikaira [email protected], 021681993
Sun 16th March 08 Houtaewa Blue house rumble Ahipara 9am start
Sat 22nd March 08 Surf run from Omapere to Rawene 10am-12pm 25kms
Sat 19th April 08 Surf run sugar loaf 30kms down wind eg...

AUCKLAND:
Auckland Area:
Contact Person's Kingi Gilbert, Gareth Wainui, Danger Clarke Email... and Phone
Tue night 5.30pm Down wind Whangaparoa
Thu night 6.00pm Birkenhead to Bucklands Down wind met at Wharf...

TAURANGA:
Taurana Moana area:
Contact person Pete or Roozendaal boyz Email... and Phone
Mon night 5.30pm surf-run Sulphur Point to Maungatapu...
Sat Morning 9.00am surf race from kissing point etc... Email... and phone

ROTORUA:
Rotorua area: Contact person Troy Dolman Email... and phone
Surf run... Time... Area...

This will give people options to a variety of areas and having experienced and local knowledge from the top paddlers leading. This also depends on the conditions. When the winds blowing right you may get an email that day of a surf run without much warning but if your keen you'll get there. It’s not much fun doing 20-30km in the flat!!! Believe me!!!. So when an area is pumping and they know it’s going to be on I would expect an email.

Those who are interested in representing a area please email me contacts/area and potential dates and i will load you on the OC1's Surf-Run Waka whanau list:

Remember safety is crucial: Now I don't want to put the fear in anyone, but below is some good tips from top paddlers on safety when paddling in adverse condition:

A) When paddling in the rough always do it with a mate and keep an eye on each other

B) Let someone know of expected time of return

C) Worst case scenario: broken Waka if it floats stay with it, if it doesn't un-strap the Ama as floating device, Crack and taking in water turn waka up-side down to form air pocket and use it to float, Broken Kiato spare rubber to splice and lash. It’s easier to find someone with his or her waka instead of a head bobbing up and down. Plus staying with the waka will help you save energy. Never try to swim into shore, currents and wind could easily exhaust you... but hopefully you have your lifejacket. Know your limits and your mates.

Safety Gear:
- Hydration Liquids/energy bars
- Warm clothing
- Lifejacket
- Spare Paddle
- Spare lashing
- Bailer/Spray skirt if cockpit design
- Lights if paddling into dark time
- Dry pack with charged cell ph

Go hard or go home.... Safely!!!! Lets raise the bar in OC1 paddling in Aotearoa kia kaha koutou Waka Whanau

Contact Clayton
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 021 681-993