Howard Hyland takes a punt twilight waka ama racing will be popular on Whanganui River

Whanganui River Outrigger Canoe Club's Howard Hyland has taken a punt that a fun twilight waka ama race series will be popular on the Whanganui River.

The Whanganui River Outrigger Canoe Club has launched a fun twilight waka ama (outrigger canoe) race series for like-minded crews on the Whanganui River.

The races will be held every Wednesday evening over the next four weeks.
Club captain and event organiser Howard Hyland said the Twilight Splash 'n' Dash is an event that caters for teams who enjoy having some serious fun paddling and competing against other on the awa.

The first event of the series will be held on Wednesday, February 14 (Valentine's Day).
"People wanting to register a team can do so between 5.30pm and 6pm on the day of each Splash 'n' Dash event, Hyland said.

"Racing will start once all team registrations have been completed."

The team registration booth will be at the Whanganui River Outrigger Canoe Clubhouse on Taupo Quay, upriver from the Union Boat Club and PowerCo sub-station.

"It will be mandatory for all members of a team to wear a lifejacket while racing and all equipment such as paddles, life jackets and racing Canoes will be supplied by the WROCC. In addition, there will be a safety boat out on the water during all races."

Teams will be disqualified if they break any of the event safety rules, Hyland warned.

The Splash 'n' Dash Races will be over two distances;

+ Section 1. Experienced (mixed and non-mixed) Adult teams: 300m. Entry fee per team is $40.

+ Section 2. Experienced (non-mixed) Junior and senior boys and girls college teams: 250m. Entry fee $30.

+ Section 3. Limited paddling experience (mixed and non-mixed) Adult corporate teams: 250m. Entry fee $30.

"Because the race course is only short, we feel the teams with the best sart and the fastest finish will do very well. For some new crews, paddling in time with each other could prove to be an issue.

"Waka ama paddling is awesome for team building, whether its for sports teams or staff in the work place. Working together as a team is often the difference between success and failure. Have ago - we are confident you will enjoy it."