Big swells tested paddlers in the country's premier ocean-going waka ama race, a 35km round trip from Tutukaka around the Sugar Loaf Island in the Poor Knights Marine Reserve. Two-metre swells saw the six men's crews and three women's crews face not only a physical but a mental challenge toreturn to the finish line at Kowharewa Bay, on Saturday.
On the outward leg the six-paddler crews crashed into the waves but had the benefit of surfing them on the way home.
As the teams circled Sugar Loaf the Pawarenga team of Herberts on Tour led by a boat-length from Mitamitaga North.
By the time the teams made it back to the Tutukaka Harbour entrance they were neck to neck but Herberts on Tour pulled away to cross the finish line 200m ahead of their rivals.
Parihaka Pirates were looking good for third place but flipped their waka 3km from home.
In the women's race Mitamitaga Girls lead the flotilla out the harbour entrance but it was Parihaka who made it to the turning point first and never looked like giving up the lead after that. Race organiser and Mitamitaga Club president Charlie Roughan said the race was for experienced crews only and the paddle was a real test of their ability on the water.
The last time the race was staged was in 2006 but since then weather conditions have prevented it from being run until Saturday.
All the teams were equipped with safety equipment including flares and tow ropes. A team of safety boats followed the crews closely throughout the race.
RESULTS - MEN: Herberts On Tour 3hours 13min 5sec, 1, Mitamitaga North 3.14.02, 2, Turangawaewae 3.35.00, 3, Mitamitaga South, 3.46.21, 4, Kaipara 4.08.12, 5, Parihaka 4.11.04, 6,
WOMEN: Parihaka 4.01.17, 1, Mitamitaga Girls 4.15.52, 2, Rangaunu 4.22.24, 3.
