Working hard against the tide

The Open Women's crew from Te Rau Oranga Pirimai (Hawkes Bay) clear the bridge on their trip up the Whanganui river on Saturday.

Over a dozen waka craft took to a windy Whanganui River on Saturday for the third races of the Hoe Tonga Paddla series.

Hosted by the local club Te Ringa Miti Tai Heke, crews from around the North Island had to tackle the tough conditions at high tide for the 18km race, going against the current on their return trip to the Putiki Slipway after travelling under the bridges and turning near Kowhai Park.

The Open Men's crew of the Hikoikoi club from Petone were first, followed by the Senior Masters Men crew from Ruamata Ngaruroa in Whangarei.

Third place were the Open Women's crew of the PCKC Wolfpack (Porirua).

The 8km novice/junior race was won by the junior 16's crew of PCKC Turama, while fellow Porirua club Toa Mixed Black were second, with Hikoikoi L Plates third.