Spectators watching the Parihaka Sports Club's inaugural "Hoe Matariki" (paddle for Maori New Year) might have noticed a familiar face competing in the solo kayak race.
Olympic silver medallist and former world champion Ben Fouhy turned up to test out a new kayak - adding a little to the flavour of
Saturday's event.
Fouhy was one of a bunch of single paddlers who took advantage of good conditions on Whangarei Harbour to enjoy the Matariki event.
"It was an excellent turnout and it was cool to have kayakers and surf skis turning up to compete at that distance," organiser Gail Ambler said.
"Everyone enjoyed themselves and they told us they'd be back next year with all their mates," she added.
There were 20 OC6 or six-person outrigger crews, three OC2 men's crews and three single competitors, as well as four or five kayakers who would have been thrilled - and probably a bit overawed - to compete against Fouhy.
