It was an early start at 6.30am this morning (Sat 5th) for paddlers taking part in the annual Whaingaroa Whanua Hoe Waka Races. First up was registration and rigging the waka at Te Kopua. This was followed by a karakia and then a briefing for the Novice and Junior races.
The first race started at 9am was the 8km W6 Novice and Junior. It started outside the estuary entrance.before heading up harbour to round buoys off Monnlight Bay.
The next race at 10.30am was the 24km W6 Women and Mixed then the 10.40am W1, W2 Men and SUP and Surf Ski over 12km.
This afternoon at 2pm will see the start of the 24km W6 Men and then at 2.10pm, the 12km W1, W2 Women and W2 Mixed.
Kai and Prize Giving will be at Te Kopua Boat Ramp at 4.30pm.