The Whanganui Kayak Club claimed two golds amongst an eight-medal haul during Day 1 of the Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) Nationals at Lake Karapiro yesterday.
New Zealand junior representative Toby Brooke won the Under 18 1000m title, which doubles as an Oceania championship.
Club member Lisa Chase said althoughBrooke was not satisfied with his 3m 35s finishing time, he was still looking strong for the Australian GP2 in Sydney next week.
There was a Wanganui 1-2-3 finish in the Masters women's race with Robyn Scott, Kylie Gibson and Chase holding a monopoly on the podium, while together they looked strong in the K2 and K4 events at the end of the day.
Brooke's New Zealand squad mates Aiden Nossiter and Max Brown fought out a tough Under 23 1000m with Mana's Kurtis Imrie, who was Brown's K2 partner in winning the Blue Lakes Regatta in December.
"This was a great effort for this duo as this is Simon's first national event and he is still only 15 years old," said Chase.
"Under 14 K2 500m paddlers Jack Clifton and Lucas Thompson did stunningly. The pair are first timers at nationals and as event commentator Ian Ferguson said, "these two have a bright future".
"They are young but have a lot of potential and are a super keen pair of youngsters fully involved in nationals."
Chase said the highlight of Day 1 was watching Olympic gold medallist Lisa Carrington winning the Open K1 500m race.
"Clubs emptying their tents to view the race of the world champion and Olympian. The 'pocket rocket' is without a doubt the reason for the increased participation in the sport."
