"We are anticipating 100-plus for each of the first two events, potentially up to 200. The final event, being a bit more of a challenge, will probably see a few less," he said.
The three events are the Paihia Power Paddle, Stone Store Stand-Up and Opt Express.
The Paihia event is a 6km return race up a sheltered, shallow inlet for the 12'6 and 14'0 raceboard classes. There is a one-way 3km race for more social paddlers and surfers.
Stone Store Stand-Up is raced in Kerikeri Basin, with the race consisting of multiple laps around a short course, thus meaning lots of corners and opportunities for overtaking. The total race distance will be about 2km for the surfboard class, 4km for 12'6s and 5km for the 14s.
The Opito Express is run at the eastern end of the Kerikeri inlet at Opito Bay, and then follows the inlet right up to the Stone Store, for a total distance of just under 9km.
Dawes said there are some changes this time around which will improve the event.
"This year sees less travelling, with all three events now in the Bay of Islands area, and all three run by the same organisational crew," he said.
"Following the success of last year's series we are delighted to now have Harcourts Bay of Islands on board as a major sponsor, which will help hugely in making sure the events run smoothly.
"We are also expecting a whole lot more competitors, as pretty much everyone who competed last year has said they will be back, and we're already getting far more interest from further afield - we are expecting over a dozen racers from Christchurch, along with crews from Wellington, Nelson, Hawke's Bay etc, and a lot more from Auckland.
"The added drawcards of the Paihia Half Marathon and the Lions Tour opening ceremony obviously add greatly to the appeal of the series for 'out of towners', as both can be fitted in alongside the three paddleboard events."
Those wanting to enter the event can head to the event website.
