Now that's what I call a race!
And all because of you my Brother!

For those of you that weren't there, you missed out on a near perfect day.

We had 80+ paddlers on the line, a good 1 to 1.5m NE ocean swell and a nice 10 to 15knot E wind. The conditions where quite technical, you had to really stay on your game to chase down the bumps, but there were rides to be had and that's racing. So all good!

We had a good combination of top experienced paddlers, who just thrived in the rough ocean conditions, through to guys that had never really done this kind of race before and realised they have a few new skills to master.

Top Ski home was Paul Wilford at 2:17:53. Paul commented that he was loving it so much that he didn't want to turn in to Pilot bay for the win, but would have rather carried on down the coast. It was great to see all 3? male ski paddlers out there, thanks for the support guys, we hope to see you back in force next year.

Katie Peacock was first female ski home in a time of 2:35:17. I didn't get a chance to catch up with her after the race, but by the buzz going throughout the competitors I'm sure that she would have also given the event a 'Big thumbs up'. Tracey Wilson from surfski.co.nz gave great encouragement about the event even before she had raced. She told me that this was "Just brilliant! And thanks soo much". I was stoked that everyone was loving the whole thing so much.

Kingi Gilbert, with all of his time spent in the Hawaiian waters showed the rest of us NZ OC's just how much we have to learn. He blitzed the fleet in 2:33:23. Ripping it up! It was awesome to see so many canoes on the start line, everyone just knowing there was a whole coastline of fun to be had. Cheers to all the lads for fronting, it's the way forward boys, so no doubt we'll be seeing you all at Bo's Race in a couple of weeks.

Bernie Murch took top honours in the womens OC division, finishing in a time of 2:56:05. Good to see four hard OC1 women paddlers on the water and stepping up to the mark. All had their own challenges out there, but all now have a technical ocean run under their belts and are all now wanting more of it. So, all you other ladies out there, do the yards and front at next year's event, you won't regret it, just ask those that did it this year. Thanks Bernie, Amy, Vesna and Raanj. Way to lead the way.

A big thanks to all of our supporters and all those that helped out on the day, with all those little things that needed doing in front and behind the scenes. A special mention to Scott Fitzgerald for his work out on the water keeping us all safe. Much appreciated Bro! Another special mention to Jacqui St Julian for all her hard work on the front line of rego and time keeping and prizes and everything else we threw your way. Both Paul and myself thank you and your teams immensely for your effort. It was great to know everything was in competent hands and therefore we could both race.

A mention and thanks to all the organizations that were in full support of the event. We appreciate all the input you gave and for your blessing on the whole event. The Aroha was felt throughout the day. So thanks and I hope we can work with you all again in the build up for next year. Cheers! Hei Matau Paddlers, Hoe Aroha Whanau, Hoe Toa Series, King of the Harbour, Maketu Coast Guard, Summerhills Rec Farm, surfski.co.nz, Tauranga Coast Guard, Te Waiariki Purea Trust, The Mount Hot Pools, Turkish Delight, Waihi Coast Guard, wakaama.co.nz & Many Others.

Thanks to all the support boat drivers out there. Crucial roll you guys played. It's a hard job to stay on top of so many canoes, all spread over such a large area, with ocean troughs hiding them from sight. Thanks for your time, we hope you all enjoyed the day and that we can call on you again next year.

Thanks to all the sponsors for all the prizes. What a haul there was to be had! Everyone that did stay on for the awards ceremony walked away with something. Too Much! Cancer Society, Day Two, Fosters, Good Water, Goodyear, Horleys, Hutchwilco, James Moore Photography, North Beach, Maui Kanu, Canoe & Kayak, OCNZ, Pumpkin Patch, Right Staff, Cherrywood Florist, Sommer Designs and Surfer Skins. Just Brilliant!

I'm sure once word gets out, next year is going to be even bigger. So be safe on the water guys during the year. Take ALL of your safety gear out there with you. You all know how quickly you can be all alone in one very big ocean. Buddy up and stay together. But do get out there, do the yards, learn the skills and then come rip it up next Waitangi day. Who knows which way we'll be running, but it will be down.

Finally, We were blown away with the calibre and the amount of paddlers that showed on the day. You guys all made the event what it was and for us it is a great way that we can honour our good mate and fellow paddler Bhutty. He is still deeply missed, but I believe that we are doing him proud, lets keep the bar raised. Cheers for the inspiration my Friend.

"We paddle out into the storm and those that do not come back have been chosen for Tangaroa's paddle team, he only selects the best."

Photos courtesy of Opa Roozy and Picture NZ