Serious and recreational paddlers will soon race down the Waikato River from Cambridge to Hamilton.
The September 15 Stellar NZ Cambridge to Hamilton Boat Race and Cruise sports categories for every class of paddler - from sleek K1 and K2 craft to sea kayaks, double and single waka, canoes, surf skis and stand up paddle boards.
It will also be possible for paddlers in the cruising class to hire a kayak and take in the river's scenic beauty.
Entrants can choose between the full 23km race, which starts from the Cambridge Riverside reserve on Domain Ave, opposite the low level bridge, and the shorter 11km event, which starts from Acacia Reserve on the left bank of the Waikato River, just past the Narrows Bridge at Tamahere.
There are classes for under 18 years, over 18 years and cruisers.
The finish for both distances will be at the Waikato Sports Fishing Club/Hamilton City Hawks Club, on Grantham St, Hamilton.
Boats will patrol the river as a safety precaution.
As well as cash prizes for the category winners, Stellar has put up one of its Advantage Surf skis (worth $3400) as a spot prize to be drawn from the surf ski entrants, and one from the multi sport A and B division.
Stellar will also put up $800 in prize money for those divisions, and another $800 will come from The Boatshed Kayaks.
Only those who have completed the whole 23km course, in those divisions in under 2 hours will be in the draw, and they must be present at prizegiving.
Enter at www.enteronline.co.nz, or email Richard at theboatshed@xtra.co.nz.