"I worked tactically, using a heart-rate monitor."
As there was a corner turn right before the finishing line around the Aramoho Wanganui Rowing Club shed, Carroll knew he needed a good advantage because the kayakers would breeze in in a sprint.
Having calm water, compared with the choppy conditions in 2014, helped with that final push.
"It was an enjoyable race, that's for sure," Carroll said.
"And it was a great view at the start. I was looking back [at the boats]."
In the 4km race, UBC's Martin Bridger was the winner, just over a minute faster than Wanganui district councillor and two-time former world double sculls champion Philippa Baker-Hogan.
Cox said the turnout for both days was around 80-85 competitors, including those from Wellington, Hawke's Bay and the Wanganui clubs.
"There's good interest, well supported by local waka and kayakers, and local businesses."
The organisers had hoped for a good turnout from the local water clubs after a tough winter dealing with the aftermath of the June floods.
Having a great afternoon by the waterside on Saturday during the 2km fun races were "The Boys" - one of the young crews from Whanganui Kayak & Multisport Club.
Like other river users, the club had a lot of clean-up to do for their storage shed and offices after they were swamped in June, but the youngsters were enjoying getting back to racing in their kayaks, as well as the more fun Canadian canoes.
"We just started yelling at Jack [Clifton] not to put his butt in the air," laughed Katie Foster, as Clifton got forward at the stern of the canoe to try and get them going.
Canadian canoes can be very tricky when there's eight in the boat and the water is just about coming up to the side of the boat.
After heats on the Saturday, where most competitors had around 5-6 races each, the finals of the 200m sprint challenges were held, with about 4-5 boats in each final.
