When the going gets tuff.................the tuff get going, that's how I'd sum up the turnout today at our race at Hataitai Beach. The course was "as windy as" and it had some real smokin gusts blasting through on all the paddlers out on the course today. Post race, Sandy recorded gusts at just over 30 knots or over 50kph on one of his digital gadgets.
Wellington what can we say, We love this place and we just love our wind, we certainly enjoyed it more than the Volleyball Tour competitors did today on Oriental Parade. Our Greatest asset here in the Capital produces some fantastic waves for our racing and that's what we're all here for.
Back to the days effort, conditions were fairly wild today so we opted for a 4 lap semi sheltered course tucked inside the Greta Point Area, which is where the Tuesday Twilight races are mainly held. Today this course helped paddlers to avoid the more expansive waves and cross winds futher offshore and to make it more manageable for everyone.
We only covered 4.5km in distance today, slightly less to make up for the tougher upwind stretches which proved quite gruelling especially heading around the southern turn.
Some would say the course was enjoyable and I'd say it was a battle of survival keeping all craft on an even keel at times with a few close calls and apologies from some of us, with massive gusts, pushing paddlers into each others paths. Patience and smiles all round with everyone coming off the track today pretty much unscathed, boats, gear and pride all undamaged.
The next race of the Series is on January 31 and will take place from Ngatitoa Domain, Mana and we'll try to squeeze in a good 8 km course out there (around our present weather patterns of course.)
If anyone's Super keen to do one of the biggest International races on the NZ Surf ski calendar (and also one of the races on the World Surf ski racing Circuit) don't forget that the King of the Harbour is on January 22 and 23.
Results:
O.C 1: Ricki Kopa, 30:26,1; Tuhiwai Hauti-Parapara ll,2; 31:03, Isaac Topia, 32:05,3; Terry Gardiner 33:17,4; Fergie Tearikikua 28:33 (3 laps),5.
O.C 2: Doug Omeri/Magnolia Britten 33:15,1.
Sea Kayak: Sandy Winterton 28:58,1; Dave Fisher 29:07,2; Dianne Morgan 39:06,3.
Kayak: Matt Archer 23:52,1.
Surf ski: Chester Burt 23:53,1; Eric Waterson 28:23,2.
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