Whanganui's rowers and paddlers had to wonder if they would ever get in their August race of the 2017 Winter Series as the second attempt on Sunday was met with very challenging conditions.
The monthly race is always held on the second Sunday of the month, but was postponed the previous week due to high flood water.
Spokeswoman Jacs Rush said the Whanganui River was just about as challenging seven days later, as 25 craft braved the rain and battled against a very swift and high current.
"The results show the value of experience with the top third of the finishers being dominated by those with 'home ground advantage', who had the wherewithal to read the river conditions and turn them to their advantage."
Placings are decided on prognostic times - the percentage of the world record for each boat's particular discipline and crew size.