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Results - Omaha 15km Ocean Challenge
Omaha's 15km Ocean Challenge was a great success and looks set to become an annual event.
11 teams from Rangaunu to Akarana entered the mixed open W6 competition at Omaha on 26 April with one further men's team from Takapuna taking advantage of the opportunity to run alongside the mixed teams. A further six W1 entries also participated in an informal separate competition.
A steady nor-easter together with the rain made sure that this event was a challenge for those taking part. The formalities over, racing began at 10.30 a.m. with the waka all battling for position as they ran down the estuary to the mouth. As the waka passed Ti Point heading straight out to sea, the swells rose dramatically. At this point, those entering without skirts, either pulled out or were swamped. Akarana's GPK Team battled Rangaunu's Houtaewa team while the Miti Masters, Rangaunu's Muriwhenua team and Omaha's Mixed Skins fought across the first half of the course. Turning at the support boat on the 7.5km mark, the run for home began with a following sea, providing a serious challenge for those steering while paddlers worked to ride the swells for as long as possible. The leading waka were still well in sight of each other as they entered for the final sprint up the harbour.
Winners of the $1,000 first prize were GPK of Akarana followed by Houtaewa with Miti Masters from Mitamitaga in third. Omaha Mixed Skins made it home in fourth.
Cherokee Dolan was first over the line in the W1 section followed by Will Fonua and brother Kisione Fonua in second and third. All three are from the Hauraki Sports Club.
Following a meal, the prize-giving was held. Excellent local sponsorship of the event, meant that every competitor went home with a prize.
A steady nor-easter together with the rain made sure that this event was a challenge for those taking part. The formalities over, racing began at 10.30 a.m. with the waka all battling for position as they ran down the estuary to the mouth. As the waka passed Ti Point heading straight out to sea, the swells rose dramatically. At this point, those entering without skirts, either pulled out or were swamped. Akarana's GPK Team battled Rangaunu's Houtaewa team while the Miti Masters, Rangaunu's Muriwhenua team and Omaha's Mixed Skins fought across the first half of the course. Turning at the support boat on the 7.5km mark, the run for home began with a following sea, providing a serious challenge for those steering while paddlers worked to ride the swells for as long as possible. The leading waka were still well in sight of each other as they entered for the final sprint up the harbour.
Winners of the $1,000 first prize were GPK of Akarana followed by Houtaewa with Miti Masters from Mitamitaga in third. Omaha Mixed Skins made it home in fourth.
Cherokee Dolan was first over the line in the W1 section followed by Will Fonua and brother Kisione Fonua in second and third. All three are from the Hauraki Sports Club.
Following a meal, the prize-giving was held. Excellent local sponsorship of the event, meant that every competitor went home with a prize.
Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)
Comments
KC - Great race even if the weather was not so gracious. We will all be there next year. Awesome Omaha, well done.
01-May-2008
Midgetz - cherokeez from manukau haha
02-May-2008
Proud parents - Gee - that Rangaunu Houtaewa Team did well to come 2nd - with three Juniior 16 girls mixed with the old codgers eh?? Awesome effort girls. We're really proud of you all - (the rest of the Taitokerau J16 girls were in another team not too far behind!!!).
02-May-2008
Spy - Hey - who WERE those girls in that team - was it Riana King, April Warwick and Pare Holyoak??? Awesome girls - the conditions weren't easy - good job
02-May-2008
Kura Heke - Tino kaha tenei maha nga kaihoe. Ka kite koutou katoa a tera tau. Na te tima wahine toa o Aotearoa.
06-May-2008
Chex - I just wanted to say a job well done...probably not the turn out you had hoped but I can asure you next year you'll have the turn out you want...an awesome regatta...and a mean kai
07-May-2008
SJ - Yes you are right to proud parents...I was in the waka with the other 2 U16 girls from Taitokerau and they did an awesome job up the front there at 1 and 2 holding a good consistant pace the whole race...good paddling...way to go girls!
10-May-2008