September 30, 2012

Results from Race Four

 
Yet another great turn out yesterday for the final race of the Pita Pit winter race series. Great to see so many familiar and new faces enjoying those nutritious pitas on the hill after and weren’t those three cherubs helping to give out the prizes the cutest little podium girls you have ever seen!

Thanks as always to our awesome team of sponsors who made this years winter race series the biggest and best ever! Don’t forget to support them where you can

• Pita Pit
• NZ sale
• All Power
• City Surf Series
• Shark Skin Technical Exposure Protection
• Standing Room Only
• Margrette
• Delmaine
• George Duncan Muscle Therapy
• Watersports South Pacific
• The Mad Butcher – Northcote Rd

Below are the finalized results from yesterday’s race as well as the series rankings – check them out so you can set those big paddling goads for summer.

We will be running two races over summer – one in December at Mairangi Bay – a loop race with slightly larger distances than Sundays races and second downwind race in March ending at Takapuna Beach, this is designed to help in the lead up to KOH, but we will keep you posted with all the details!
And don’t forget that Troys big City Surf Series starts in November at Mission Bay – should be a blast.

Thanks again for all the support team, we have had a ball this winter and look forward to catching up on the water soon.




1km SUP Results                                             
Place     Time     
1              11.33     Daniel   Orams
2              12.46     Steve    Pyatt
3              16.11     Breanna Orams

6km SUP Results                                             
Place     Time     
1              45.24     JP            Toben
2              45.26     Troy       McAsey
3              45.30     James   Turner
4              45.31     Andrew                Brownie
5              45.45     Jason     Bird
6              45.53     Marcus Hansen
7              45.55     Paul       Davis
8              47.57     Russel   Benshaw
9              48.31     Gavin    Houghton
10           50.17     Jarred   Halligan
11           50.19     Dave      Hale
12           51.04     Phillip    Russell
13           53.38     Matt      Fogarty
14           54.29     Victoria Stuart
15           56.34     Susannah Pyatt
16           55.55     Charlotte Spicer
17           55.56     Glenn    Simmonds
18           58.10     Nicola    Hocking
19           1.01.32  Doug     Robertson

6km Surf Ski Results                                       
Place     Time     
1              40.49     Dwayne McGorman
2              41.03     Broden Race
3              41.05     Conor    McGorman
4              41.33     Michael                Smith
5              42.17     Laura     Josephson
6              43.50     Ashton Reiser
7              44.10     Kayla     McKenzie
8              44.40     Stefanie Crncevic
9              47.24     Libby     Bell
10           55.27     Grace    Campbell

12km Surf Ski Results                                    
Place     Time     
1              1.04.31  Travis    Mitchell
2              1.05.32  Brent     Clode
3              1.05.51  Tim         Grammer
4              1.06.10  Grant    Heim
5              1.07.25  Brendon Davey
6              1.08.45  John      Soko
7              1.08.55  Oskar    Stielau
8              1.09.09  Danny   Morrison
9              1.16.11  David     Cough
10           1.16.24  Andrew                Czar
11           1.16.36  Rachel   Clarke
12           1.17.05  Alan       Williscroft
13           1.22.15  Sam       Mayhew

September 22, 2012

One week to go!!!!

Hope you have had a good September paddling hard on the water, just a quick reminder that we are less than a week away from the final race in the Pita Pit Winter Race Series, the slightly revised details are below

Race 4 of the Pita Pit Winter Race Series - Takapuna Beach
Sunday September 30th
2pm Start (Registration open from 1pm)

Remember this is 90 minutes earlier than usual (to allow time to calculate the series winners and their CASH prizes) and conviently this date is the first day of day light savings which means you will be putting your clocks forward and loosing an hour of sleep the night before – all very confusing but I have complete faith that I will see you all on time on Sunday.

Other great things about Sunday include – complimentary pitas at the end of the race – thanks Takapuna Pita Pit! And the TBC Olympian celebration at the club – LOADS happing

Series rankings are attached – so you can start visualizing beating your nearest rival all week.

Should be fab!

August 24, 2012

Results from Race 3

Winter Race Series
Red Beach • Orakei • Mairangi Bay • Takapuna

Race 3, Mairangi Bay Beach, Sunday August 19th

1km SUP Results
1              17.40     076         Daniel   Orams
2              25.35     075         Steve    Pyatt
3              28.10     077         William Littlewood

5km Surf Ski Results
1              31.33     091         Broden Race
2              32.36     036         Dwayne               McGorman
3              33.05     035         Connor McGorman
4              33.36     073         Steph    Parker
5              35.11     071         Laura     Josephson
6              38.04     028         Aston    Reiser
7              39.41     84           Victoria Clark
8              39.53     22           Jono      Spurdle
9              41.52     70           Sam       Mayhew
10           48.14     089         Jonathon             Reshef


5km SUP Results
1              37.45     081         Troy       Huston
2              37.5        007         Jason     Bird
3              39.3        085         Marcus Hansen
4              40.24     044         Gavin    Houghton
5              40.31     059         Paul       Davis
6              40.35     006         Dion       McAsey
7              40.55     088         Mike      Tohill
8              45.15     080         Stacey   Smith
9              47.03     093         Dave      Hale
10           48.23     092         Matt      Fogarty
11           55.33     083         Ben        DearLove
12           58.17     100         Rob        Brawn
13           59.2        090         Nicola    Hocking
14           104.45   067         Doug     Robertson
15           110         082         Phil         Ash
DNF       074         Susannah            Pyatt
DNF       087         Victoria Stuart


10km Surf Ski Results
1              47.28     042         Travis    Mitchell
2              47.51     004         Tim         Grammer
3              48.12     072         Michael                Lee
4              48.33     040         Brendon              Davey
5              49.11     002         Robbie  Ford
6              49.13     039         Brent     Clode
7              49.13     056         Paul       Wilford
8              49.29     086         Oskar    Stielau
9              50.34     005         Ian          Mercer
10           51.31     063         Danny   Morrison
11           53           050         John      Soko
12           53.11     011         Robert  Askew
13           53.26     055         Jeremy Kuggeleijn
14           54.33     001         Pete      Dallimore
15           54.35     053         Greg      Jones
16           55.09     019         Rachel   Clarke
17           56.35     029         Daniel   McKenzie
18           56.49     079         Glenn    Gray
19           58.41     069         Rachel   Dodwell
20           58.42     066         David     Cough
21           59.02     012         Andrew                Czar
22           1.02.25  078         Alan       Williscroft
23           1.05.32  014         John      Land
24           1.12.01  056         Rohan   Thompson


July 31, 2012

Race Report from Race 2 of the Pita Pit Winter Race Series, RAYC.

Race 2 of the Pita Pit winter race series was held on Sunday, July 29th at the Royal Akorana Yacht club, and despite the gale force nor east winds (quite possibly the MOST disruptive direction at this venue) 28 paddlers lined up and completed the race – nice work guys!
The decision on the course was made late due to the very high winds, and even though race director and safety manager Jason Pocock was out on the water before the race, trying to find the best start and finish venue as well as making the course safe for paddlers (and their equipment) proved to be a very challenging task.  In the end it was a pretty straight forward 5km lap starting from the outer edge of the Landing marina, tracking back towards town, heading under the bridge at Tamaki drive and up about 1500m to a turning buoy in Orakei inlet, SUP and 5km surf ski paddlers headed straight back to the start finish line and the 10km surf ski paddlers did another lap.  The race directors also made the difficult call to take all series points away from the race as they didn’t want people paddling outside of their comfort zone in such challenging conditions.  This was not a decision made lightly as the Paddling Project has always wanted to reward consistency and participation in this winter series, they firmly endorse paddling and racing over any distance in a variety of craft and in ALL conditions, but in the end safety had to come first.
While the course was pretty sheltered the starting conditions were in a word OUTRAGEOUS, even getting to the start line was difficult particularly after the run in with the security staff at the Marina, special thanks to Warren Trenthaway for defusing that situation enabling access for all starters in the shelter of the outer edge of The Landing.  Spectators watching the 28 paddlers dart across the bay in such strong winds and bumpy water felt a mixture of respect, fear, envy and extreme cold; everyone on and off the water was relieved when the starting hooter went letting all three paddling fields enjoy the short downwind stretch!
While the sea quieten down as the course developed the tailwind remained strong giving all paddlers a bit of respite in the first part of the race.  As expected both Tim McLarin, Travis Mitchell and Tim Grammer took to the front of the surf ski field quickly.  And in almost a parallel race the SUP field was lead out by Russel Benshaw, James Turner and Jason Bird.  Both fields spread out quickly as the progressed across the sheltered inlet in Orakei.  There were however strong attacks in the 10km surf ski field from Brent Clode, Brendon Davey, Garren Cooper and Andrew Morlem.  Likewise Mike Pirrit, Paul Davis and Dion McAsey were also challenging strongly in the SUP course.
The 5km surf ski field were the first to finish with Race One champ Michael Smith taking a narrow victory from Broden Race, calls were voiced at prize giving that Mike will need to line up in the 10km race at Mairangi Bay in three weeks time.  Dwayne McGorman took out third.
In the end the SUP Race was won by Russell Benshaw, from Jason Bird from James turner, there were 41 seconds separating the first 3 paddlers home.
In the surf ski race it was Travis Mitchell who took the win and the Magrette watch despite challenges from both Tims.  Mitchell is looking like we will be tuff to beat in the series competition.  Grammer was third overall home and first 40+.  Paul Gillard took out the 50+ category comfortably and special mention must go to Danny Morrison who helped set up the course before completing the full 10km on a pretty heavy spec ski.  Danielle McKenzie was also a stand out performer, the only women in the field she finished just behind Gillard and took out the pimping high visibility rapid dry paddling top from Sharkskin – NICE.
Special thanks to all our amazing sponsors
·         Pita Pit
·         Margrette
·         NZ Sale
·         Mad Butcher, Northcote Rd
·         Sharkskin
·         Standing Room Only
·         Watersports South Pacific
·         All Power
·         Delmaine Fine Foods
·         Muscle Therapy
·         Mairangi Bay Surf Club
Race 3 of the Pita Pit Winter Race Series will be held at Mairangi Bay Beach on Sunday August 19th, only three weeks away!

July 29, 2012

Race Two, RAYC Orakei, Sunday July 29th


Winter Race Series
Red Beach • Orakei • Mairangi Bay • Takapuna

Our Leading SUP men looking strong
The front of the Surf Ski field was also tight



Jeepers Creepers, there was some wind out there this afternoon!   Full race report to come on thursday (sorry team I am back a work!) with all the dets, but massive thanks to everyone who braved the extream nor easter to paddle and/or support, it was bloody difficult out there so we really appreciate it.

Massive ups to ALL paddlers who completed the courses - it wasn't easy as the times reflect!

                                                             
5km SUP Results
1              36.20     Russell   Benshaw
2              36.44     Jason     Bird
3              37.01     James   Turner
4              38.10     Mike      Pirrit
5              39.44     Paul       Davis
6              40.13     Dion       McAsey
7              41.37     Andrew  Brown
8              42.06     Bruce    Page

10km Surf Ski Results
1              51.14     Travis    Mitchell
2              51.18     Tim         McLaren
3              51.41     Tim         Grammer
4              53.02     Brent     Clode
5              53.10     Brendon   Davey
6              55.12     Garren  Cooper
7              55.28     Andrew  Mowlem
8              56.10     Darryl    Forsyth
9              57.10     Danny   Morrison
10           57.16     Rohan   Thompson
11           58.16     Greg      Jones
12           58.31     Paul       Gillard
13           60.09     Danielle McKenzie
14           101.39   John Land
15           102.09   Andrew Czar

5km Surf Ski Results                                      
1              29.55     Michael Smith
2              29.56     Broden Race
3              30.15     Dwayne McGorman
4              32.51     Conor    McGorman
5              37.08     Ashton Reiser

Massive thanks to all our awesome sponsors
Pita Pit
Delmaine Fine Food
NZ Sale
Mad Butcher Northcote Rd
Sharkskin
Watersports South Pacific
George Duncun Muscle Therapy
Mairangi Bay Surf Club - event lifeguarding

June 24, 2012

Record Numbers at Red Beach

Wow, what a turn out at Red Beach this afternoon for race one of the Pita Pit Winter Race Series.



  



51 paddlers lined up for the 3.30 start at the northern end of the beach. The field in its entirety covered 10 and 5km surf ski paddlers and 5km SUP paddlers. Competitors came from as far north as Nganguru and as far south as Raglan, and despite the crisp south west breeze ALL were enthusiastic about The 5km loop course which started in front of the surf club and headed in an anti clockwise direction towards Stanmore Bay.


As expected the 10km surf ski paddlers started strong with Travis Mitchell setting a fast pace early on. Robbie Ford and Ian Mercer fit from all their San Francisco training also keep up the pace as did the RAYC Tims – McLarin and Grammar. In the end Travis took a narrow one second victory from Robbie Ford. Less than 10 seconds later came Tim McLarin in third and our 40+ category winner Tim Grammer.


Rachel Clark looked strong right from the start and took the womens race comfortably from the young fit Danielle McKenzie, I am sure we will see some more battles between these two as the series continues but I must say it is great to have you back Rach! It was also a welcome return of 50+ superstar Grant Heim who took out this competitive category from last years winner John Soko.

In the 5km surf ski race it was the Mairangi Bay gang laying down the gauntlet on the spec skis with Michael Smith taking the win from Dyane and Conor McGorman.

Special mention must go to Jono Spurdle, Stefanie Crncevic, Ashton Reiser and Corin Maberly who have only recently been infected with the surf ski bug, but all braved their first ever race at Red Beach and we are looking forward to seeing them at future races.


The SUP race was also a doosie with little over a minute separating the first seven paddlers. In the end it was the very classy performance from Jeremy Stephenson that took the win from Russel Benshaw and Marcus Hansen. Stacy Smith took the womens race from Victoria Stuart and outta towner Tania Edwards.

A big thank you to all that attended this afternoons race, we very excited to have such a classy and fit field line up for our first race although we actually didn’t expect quite so many of you – so we do apologize to some of you who missed out on a sausage at the prizegiving! We are very much a family friendly event and we will ensure that there is enough sausages for all paddlers and their support team at race two – THAT IS A PROMISE!


And a massive thanks to all of our amazing sponsors in particular Pita Pit, but also Sharkskin, NZ Sale and Allpower – you guys are the very best. Thanks also to Red Beach Surf Club for having us.

The full results are on our "Race Results" Tab

June 22, 2012

The Prize Loot!!!

It has been a crazy couple of days collecting all the loot for Sundays race, massive thanks to NZ Sale for all of their generoustity, check out their great warehouse sale on this weekend (details below).

But don't forget Race 1 of the Pita Pit Winter Race Series is this Sunday June 24th at Red Beach.  Rego open at the surf club from 2pm and stay for a cheap beer after.


June 17, 2012

Sharkskin Prizes




Check out this super cool Shakskin rapid dry top being modelled by Mr Walker at KOH 12. 

Sharkskin have very generously donated one of these to each race so that you guys can look styly and perform your best on the water!  Nice one Sharkskin

More details on the product are on the Sharkskin website below.

http://www.sharkskin.com.au/categories/rapid-dry.html

And if you don't want to chance missing out on a prize you can always just purchase one from our good friends at Water Sports South Pacific on Barrys Point Road.

http://watersports.co.nz/

Oh and Thanks Sportzhub for the photo - NICE!

June 11, 2012

Naming Sponosor Secured!

Once again our good friends at Pita Pit have got on board to sponsor our Winter Race Series - Thanks guys!

The details again incase you have forgotton



Surf Ski & SUP Winter Race Serie

Red Beach • Mairangi Bay • Orakei • Takapuna



10km Surf Ski Course and 5km SUP Course



Race 1 Sunday June 24th Red Beach 3.30 start
Race 2 Sunday July 29th RAYC, Orakei 3.30 start
Race 3 Sunday August 19th Mairangi Bay 3.30 start
Race 4 Sunday September 23rd Takapuna Beach 3.30 start


Product Prizes for all Race winners and place getters
Cash Prizes for Series winners and place getters


Novice 5km surf ski race & fun 1km SUP course for all new paddlers - come challenge yourself!

March 24, 2012

Results from todays Downwind Race



15km Downwind Race
Takapuna Beach, Sunday March 25th, 2pm start





1 1.01.49 Travis Mitchell


2 1.02.15 Tim Grammer


3 1.02.42 Brendon Davey


4 1.03.17 Jason Pocock


5 1.03.53 Robbie Ford


6 1.04.01 Garren Cooper


7 1.04.21 Oskar Stilau


8 1.04.27 Ian Mercer


9 1.04.57 Jeremy Keggelieijn


10 1.05.56 Andrew Morlem


11 1.06.44 John Soko


12 1.07.30 Sean Murphy


13 1.08.08 Warrren Tretheway & Rohan Lord


14 1.08.12 Glenn Gray


15 1.08.32 Pete Dallimore


16 1.09.00 Dene Simpson


17 1.10.10 Vaughan Reed


18 1.13.31 Tracy Wilson


19 1.13.50 Becky Mayhew & Doc


20 1.14.17 Cam Scott


21 1.15.10 Dave Chambers


22 1.15.41 John Sanderson


23 1.19.43 Paul Gillard


24 1.15.57 Warrick Smith


25 1.20.18 John Land


26 1.23.34 Richard Everette

Results from todays Downwind Race



Course One it is!

We can confirm that Race 2 of the Pita Pit Summer of Racing; todays 15km downwind race will be contested over "Course One" - Birkenhead Wharf to Takapuna.

I know the weather looks pretty benign right now but wind guru is predicting 20 knot SW winds gusting up to 25, the showers are also predicted to clear in time for the start and the BBQ after, so it is def going to be a good day.


Don't forget


  • Rego opens at Taka at midday


  • Compulsory Race Briefing at Taka at 12.30


  • Head to start at 1ish


  • Race starts at 2pm



Please remember all your safety equipment - PFD, High Viz vest and a leash and cell phone if you want to be extra safe

March 22, 2012

Looking Goooooood for Sunday




It is looking like we are going to have some great downwind conditions on Sunday for race 2 of the Pita Pit Summer of Racing – the 15km Downwind Race finishing at Takapuna.



At this stage both Wind Guru and Met Service are predicting 20 knot SW winds which means we will probably go with our Birkenhead Wharf to Takapuna Course, which will be a blast in the outgoing tide, not to mention the perfect build up to KOH a week later.


So if you haven’t already entered then flick Katie an email at katiepo@ihug.co.nz or a phone call or text on 021 932 116 ASAP to register your interest. If she hears from you before midnight tonight it is only $25, but after that it is $40, NO EXCEPTIONS.


Don’t forget there are hot spots and cash prizes as well as the 3 person teams competition for the over 50s and the under 50s, so LOADS to race for


Race Day Details
12pm - Rego Opens at Takapuna Beach
12.30 - Race Briefing
1pm - head to start
2pm - gun goes

Don’t forget your PFD, leash and cell phone