Ruamahanga River Race report and results

This article courtesy of Jane Cullen.

Once again we were fortunate to have a fine day for this event, which makes such a difference to it's smooth running. Nineteen paddlers and their support crews arrived at Morrison's Bush, ten boats includind one double readied themselves to start the 31 km course from here. At this time the river flow was showing 70.9 cumecs and rising http://graphs.gw.govt.nz/?siteName=Ruamahanga%20River%20at%20Waihenga%20Bridge&dataSource=Flow

Ruamahunga Kayak Race 2015

Once again we were fortunate to have a fine day for this event, which makes such a difference to its smooth running. Nineteen paddlers and their support crews arrived at Morrison’s Bush. Ten boats, including one double readied themselves to start the 31 km course from here. At this time the river flow as shown by the black arrow was at 70.9 cumecs and rising.

By the time the first kayakers reached the portage at the Waihenga Bridge after 12 km of paddling, the river flow had increased to 80.3 cumecs.

 Danial Bremner was first at this point in a time of 43.43 minutes, with Derek Cox o hot on his heels 4 seconds behind him. Blair Simpson, Les Morris, Dave Dellabarca, Tom Bowen & Glen Warner in the double all went through in under 45 minutes. Within 55 minutes all ten kayaks had gone through and carried on under the Waihenga Bridge for the next 19 km stretch.

Just prior to their arrival, eight kayakers had set off on the short course. The first corner just after the bridge can be a bit tricky for less confident paddlers, but as the flow was increasing the rapid was washed out.

From here on the kayakers reported there was a slight head wind, but the river flow was also continuing to increase. By the time all the paddlers had arrived at Pukio East the flow was continuing to rise, visible to see as the finish cone was steadily going under water. At 1:30 pm as the last paddler finished the river level was at 101.8 cumecs (orange arrow), peaking at 4pm at 117 cumecs.

Brian Grace a regular competitor was the first kayaker to complete the short course race in a time of 1:21:25, taking out the Vet Men’s section. A close second was Jimmie Fourie followed by Mark Hearfield and local and regular competitor, Brian Sanders.

First Vet Woman was Mary McBride in a time of 1:28:25, with Sharon Henderson in second place in a time of 1:28:31.

In the Long Course the Open Men’s grade was won by Blair Simpson in a time of 2:01:54, followed by Danial Bremner 2:02:13. The Vet Men’s grade was won by local Derek Cox in a time of 2:02:25, closely followed by Dave Dellabarca in 2:02:33. Third place was taken out by local Les Morris in a time of 2:07:16. Les receives a special mention as he has completed all 22 of the Rumahunga Kayak races, through course and organiser changes. Well done Les. Your support is much appreciated. Liz Bunckenburg the sole women competitor in the Long Course, completed the 31 km in 2:16:15, while the double kayak completed in 2:06:58.

The prize giving and lunch was again able to be carried out in warm, sunny conditions just above the river. 

Also thanks to Greg & Steve for their help with the event during the day and both farm owners at Morrison’s Bush & Pukio East for allowing us to access their land.

By the time we left for home the gravel beach finish area had been fully submerged. Another successful Ruamahunga Kayak Race completed for another year. Thanks again to all the competitors.

Results from the Ruamahanga River Race 30 / 8 / 15

Bair Simpson Long Course 31km Open Men 0:44:13 2:01:54 1 

Danial Bremner Long Course 31km Open Men 0:43:43 2:02:13 2 2
Matt Penny Long Course 31km Open Men 0:48:20 2:17:16 8 3

Lizzy Bunckenburg Long Course 31km Open Women 0:48:32 2:16:15 7 1

Derek Cox Long Course 31km Vet Men 0:43:47 2:02:25 3 1
Dave Dellabarca Long Course 31km Vet Men 0:44:31 2:02:33 4 2
Les Morris Long Course 31km Vet Men 0:44:30 2:07:16 6 3
Vincent Brannigan Long Course 31km Vet Men 0:54:22 2:37:15 9

Tom Bowen/Glen Warner Long Course 31km Vet Men Double 0:44:41 2:06:58 5 1

Brian Grace Short Course 19km Vet Men 1:21:25 1 1
Jimmie Fourie Short Course 19km Vet Men 1:21:59 2 2
Mark Hearfield Short Course 19km Vet Men 1:24:11 3 3
Brian Sanders Short Course 19km Vet Men 1:24:18 4 4
Tony Gibbs Short Course 19km Vet Men 1:30:47 7 5

Mary McBride Short Course 19km Vet Women 1:28:25 5 1
Sharon Henderson Short Course 19km Vet Women 1:28:31 6 2
Rebecca Van Der Vegt Short Course 19km Vet Women 1:39:54

Our thanks to the Sponsors

Masterton Licensing Trust, 

Tumu Masterton, 

Carters Masterton

Pukemanu Tavern of Matinborough. 

For more information on the Wairarapa Multsiport Club and their events go to www.wmsc.org.nz