Good wind, great prizes and outstanding paddlers!

Well team all the weather forecasts are predicting building east nor east winds for this Saturdays Christmas Cracker Race at Mairangi Bay Beach. Wind guru are predicting 14 knots gusting up to 17 while Met Service are predicting 20+ knots as outlined below




And if that isn't enough of a reason to lock in Saturday afternoons race then consider all the great prizes - not only do we have great cash prizes for hotspot and overall winners, but we also have great product and spot prizes from our awesome family of sponsers - Pita Pit, Sierra Coffee, Fenn Kayaks, Muscle Therapy and of course The Paddling Project.

Aaaaaannnd we can already confirms some real super stars on the start line - Travis Mitchell, Robbie Ford and Teneale Hatton have all confirmed their entry to this the first race in the Pita Pit Summer of Racing.

You still have time to secure a cheaper entry by emailing Katie directly at katiepo@ihug.co.nz or otherwise just turn up on the day and pay your $40.

See all you sports stars Saturday.

Race Report from Race 3 of Pita Pit 10km Winter Race Series

Sunday September 25^th marked the third and final race in the Pita Pit 10km Winter Race Series. And ironically the Takapuna venue and the date closest to summer combined to produce the race that with the wintriest of weather – go figure!? But even with the drizzle, crisp and light south west wind and gray cloud cover we had 29 starters when the gun went off just after 3.30pm.

29 starters at Takapuna Beach

Despite the mundane weather conditions there was plenty to race for at Takapuna. The series competition in the open mens field was tight going into the race, with race one champ Tim McLaren leading race two champ Samuel Newlands by only nine seconds in the overall series. Behind them Tim Grammer and Travis Mitchell were also going head to head with only 14 seconds separating the training partners. There was a show down lined up in the women’s field with race one champ Dene Simpson back from illness lining up beside race two champ Tracy Wilson. John Soko was looking strong in the 50+ field but no one knew if could take three from three wins on the back of his beer drinking tour in Croatia earlier in the year. And there were some last minute entries in spec ski category challenging the current champ Sam White. There is no doubt that there was an air of anticipation as they field set off towards the first turning marker at the witches hat buoy.

As expected the pace was fast at the front of the field with Samuel and Tim both trying to exert their authority earlier. Flat water specialist and long time club paddler Scott Bicknell was also in the mix keeping the pace high with Travis Mitchell, Tim Grammer, Brendon Davey, Robbie Ford and John Soko. Further back in the field new comers Andrew Roy and Andrew Molon were battling it out with Vaughan Reed, Dene Simpson, Sam White and Tracy Wilson.

The course, which basically went north and south along the coast and cliff line slowly started spreading the field far and wide. By half way the leading mens pack was down to four: Newlands, Mclaren, Bicknell and Mitchell all looked strong in the second part of the race. The final 500m was an epic sprint with the young Newlands finally pulling away from McLaren, a bigger gap back to Bicknell and Mitchell in fourth. Newlands taking the win by 11 seconds giving him the series title by just two seconds from a frustrated but always gracious McLaren.

Samuel Newlands takes the win from Tim McLaren by only 11 seconds

Tim Grammer took the 40+ race and series title however he did drop sometime against Travis Mitchell in the overall series ranking. Ian Mercer and Garren Cooper were second and third respectively in the competitive 40+ category for the race.

John Soko took the 50+ race and series titles comfortably with the absence of Paul Gillard, with Dave Chambers and John Land slipped into second and third spots in the race and series rankings. The women’s race was equally tight in the end with Dene Simpson taking the victory by only 31 seconds from the inform Tracy Wilson who took the series title due to her consistency across the entire series. Newcomer Andrew Roy took the races spec ski title from the consistent Sam White who took the overall series title, this growing category is sure to be a hotly contested one at future races.

New comer Andrew Roy took out the Spec Ski catagory from Sam White

Other series results worthy of a mention are Greg Jones who has travelled down from Whangarei for all three races and was rewarded with a third place in the 40+ series category and Maddie Boon who has battled it out on a spec ski, but came home in second place in the womens series.

Prize giving was a festive affair in the bar at Takapuna Boating club with Pita Pit owner and former NZ Surf Lifesaving and Sprint Kayaking rep Duane Dalton presenting the cash prizes to the winners (after the rugby of course!). And as usual there was much banter about what the summer of racing would involve and who would be beating who at the club races at both RAYC and TBC, the State Beach Series which starts early November and of course the Christmas Cracker race at Mairangi Bay on December 10^th. If the standard of the winter series is anything to go by, then this summer is sure to be a cracker!

To see more photos from the race click on the "Gallery" tab above

Series Finale

Despite the wintery weather and the changes to day light saving we managed to get 29 quality paddlers on the start line this afternoon for the final race in the Pita Pit 10km Winter Race Series.

The onform Samuel Newlands demonstrated how his marathon preperation is on track by taking todays race win and the series title from Race One champ Tim McLaren - jeepers it was a close one!

Full Results from this race and the overall series rankings are on the "Race Results" page, so just click on the tab above to see exactly how it all paned out.

Thanks again to all our awesome sponsors

Pita Pit
Sierra Coffee
Muscle Therapy
Delmaine Fine Foods

The Mad Butcher - Northcote Rd
Mairangi Bay Surf Club

Full race report and more photos will be up tomorrow.

Free Pita at the final Race of the 10km Winter Series

Only a week to go untill the final race in the Pita Pit Winter Race Series. We are really looking forward to the show down at Race 3 at Takapuna Beach on Sunday September 25th! Will the experience and conditioning of Tim McLaren be able to hold off the young and inform Sam Newlands to take the prestigeous series win..... Make sure you are there to find out.

And the really exciting news is that Pita Pit have just confirmed they are going to bring down some fresh Pitas to the beach from their Takapuna store to help with our recovery post race - NICE!

We have also released all the information about our Christmas Cracker Race at Mairangi Bay Beach on December 11th.

All in the info on both of these up coming races is on the Race Details page, so just click on the tab up top to stay in the loop.

Catch all you sports stars at Taka in a week, for one tuff race and one yummy Pita!

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

Most improved paddler Maddison Boon setting up for the start.

Auckland turned on another warm sunny afternoon for the second race in the Pita Pit Winter race series at RAYC, Orakei yesterday afternoon. But it wasn’t just the warm temperatures keeping things hot, there was some smoking hot competition on the water also when a record high 34 paddlers lined up for the start off the breakwater at 3.30pm.

As predicted a strong group set a fast pace straight of the bat, this included race one champ Tim McLaren, up and coming Samuel Newlands, multisporter Tim Grammer, spec ski gurus Travis Mitchell and Ben Keys, the wiley sea dog Garren Cooper, fast starters Daryl Forsyth and Brendon Davey and Oskar Stielau and Robbie Ford freshly back from racing at the US Surf Ski Champs in San Francisco.

It was a two lap course close to the RAYC club rooms, and while the goal was to utilise some of the strong tidal movement in the area, in the end the wind came up and made for a tuff slog in bumpy, windy, technical conditions, which eventually blew the field apart creating a quite a spread from first to last and playing havoc with everyone’s percentages behind the winner – GO FIGURE!?

Tim, Sam and Travis slowly whittled away the leading group in the first lap meaning they could just focus on beating each other over the final 5km. In the end it was the fast finishing Samuel Newlands who crossed the line first only three seconds in front of the determined Tim McLaren. Travis Mitchell also finished strong in third place (on a sexy V10L) just under a minute later showing he is but a sleeping tiger waiting for summer! Tim Grammer, Robbie Ford, Garren Cooper and Oskar Stielau all followed behind showing their consistency across what it setting up to be a very tuff 3 race series.

The eventual winning margin was only 3 seconds for Samuel Newlands

The womens race was also hotly contested with a strong turnout of spec ski paddlers from the local surf clubs. In the end the experienced and fit Tracy Wilson showed her local knowledge and good form to take the win from a fast improving Maddison Boon who narrowly snuck ahead of a tenacious Georgia Butt.

As usual the 40+ race was fiercely fought with four of the top eight finishers falling into this category. The very fit Tim Grammer showed his consistent form to take the win from Garren Cooper, Oskar Stielau and Daryl Forsyth. John Soko backed up his first 50+ win at Mairangi Bay with another win, although he may be paying for those good times on his recently holiday in Croatia as Paul Gillard looks to be bridging the gap back to second, Peter Dallimore waved the flag for TBC to claim third in this competitive category.

There was a big fleet of Spec Skis on the course also which was great to see. Sam White took another comfortable win from the clubbie chicks. Special mention to both Laura Josephson and Emma Sissons for toughing it out in the challenging conditions – hopefully we will see you ladies at Taka for race three.

So things are looking mighty close at the front of the series with Tim McLaren holding onto a narrow lead by only 9 seconds from yesterdays champ Samuel Newlands. Bring on the final race at Taka on September 25^th I say – there will be some very good racing that afternoon I am sure. We are also hoping to break the 45 paddler barrier and have our biggest field yet – so round up your club mates and utilise the warmer conditions for training. We’ll see you in four weeks or so.

Oh and thanks to all our awesome sponsors, in particular Pita Pit who continually step up with prizes and vouchers for EVERY competitor – you guys are the best! But thanks also to Sierra Coffee, Muscle Therapy, Delmaine Fine Foods, Mairangi Bay Surf Club who keep an eye on us all on the water and RAYC for hosting us. As I said before we are looking forward to the final hit out on September 25^th.

More photos and an interview with our latest World Champion Lisa Carrington are on our face book page

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Paddling-Project/195511777173666

Well the Auckland weather stepped up once again to provide the 34 paddlers at todays 10km race at RAYC, Orakei.; there was plenty of sun and tidal movement even if the wind didn't really play the game.

Todays race was the second in the Pita Pit Winter Race series, so to see the full series standings click on the "Races" Tab above.

Todays $100 Bar Tap for the Waterfront Bar for most improved paddler (by percentage) goes to Maddison Boon, who improved her % of the winners time from 77.67% to 80.25%. Other big improvers were Brendon (Doon) Davey and Jeremy Kuggelijn. Maddi, flick me an email so we arrange delivery of this awesome prize care of our favourite healthy take aways Pita Pit.

Race #2 Results Pita Pit Winter Series, RAYC

1 52.19 Samuel Newlands

2 52.21 Tim McLaren

3 53.20 Travis Mitchell

4 53.41 Tim Grammar

5 54.06 Robbie Ford

6 54.18 Garren Cooper

7 54.20 Oskar Stielau

8 54.51 Darryl Forsyth

9 55.01 Brendon Davey

10 55.41 Ben Keyes

11 56.55 John Soko

12 57.38 Paul Gillard

13 57.44 Garth Spencer

14 57.53 Jeremy Kuggelijn

15 58.29 Peter Dallimore

16 59.00 Greg Jones

17 59.04 Robert Askew

18 59.18 Sven Hanson

19 59.34 Sam White

20 1.01.19 Tracy Wilson

21 1.02.35 Cam Scott

22 1.02.50 Maddison Boon

23 1.02.52 Georgia Butt

24 1.03.52 Dave Chambers

25 1.04.17 Alan Williscroft

26 1.05.01 John Land

27 1.08.06 Greg Morrison

28 1.11.18 Laura Josephson

29 1.11.21 Neil Wackeneir

30 1.14.30 John Cooper

31 1.17.34 Emma Sissons

32 DNF Christine Sabin

33 DNF Warren & Doc

Category Winners

OPEN MEN, Sam Newlands, 52.19

OPEN WOMEN, Tracy Wilson, 1.01.19

40+ MEN, Tim Grammer, 53.41

SPEC SKI, Sam White, 59.34

A full race report with photos will be posted tomorrow.

Thanks again for everyones support.

Change to Winter Training Schedule

Hope everyone is enjoying the warm water temperatures and getting out on the water!

We have recently ammended our Sunday Squad session schedule to accomdate changes with RAYC club races. the new schedule looks like this

Sunday August 14^{th -} RAYC, 4pm start
Sunday August 21^{st -} NO TRAINING, 10km Race, RAYC, 3.30 gun
Sunday August 28^{th -} Takapuna Beach, 4pm start
Sunday September 4th - RAYC, 4pm start
Sunday September 11^{th -} Takapuna Beach, 4pm start
Sunday September 18th - RAYC, 4pm start
Sunday September 25^th - NO TRAINING, 10km race, Taka, 3.30 gun
Sunday October 2nd - RAYC, 4pm start
Sunday October 9^th - Takapuna Beach, 4pm start
Sunday October 16th - RAYC, 4pm start
Sunday October 25th - NO TRAINING LABOUR WEEKEND

For more info check out the "Squad Info" tab above.

Catch you all on the water soon.

Race 1 Mairangi Bay

We had a great turn out today for Race 1 of the Pita Pit 10km Winter race series, with 31 starters.

While the forecasted southerlies never eventuated the conditions remained "crisp" and glassy making for some super fast conditions and some fierce contests on the water.

Tim McLarin took the overall win from Tim Grammar and Sam Newlands, the category results are below, but to check out how everyone else went against the rest click on the "Races Tab" above to see the full results.

As always we would like to thank all of our super cool, super generous sponsors

Pita Pit
Sierra Coffee
Muscle Therapy
Delmaine Fine Food
The Mad Butcher, Northcote

Mairangi Bay Surf Club

Looking forward to catching up with the rest of you at Race 2, at Royal Akorana Yacht Club, Orakei on August 21st.

Category Results

Open Men
First Tim McLaren
Second Samuel Newlands
Third Robbie Ford

Open Women
First Rachel Clark
Second Dene Simpson
Third Tracy Wilson

40+
First Tim Grammar
Second Ian Mercer
Third Garren Cooper

50+
First John Soko
Second Paul Gillard
Third Dave Chambers

Spec Ski
First Sam White
Second Rachel Clake
Third Maddison Boon

Bring your warm gear Sunday!

It looks like this cold southerly wind has set in for the weekend, although the most recent reports are suggesting that the rain and strong winds may ease by race start at 3.30pm at Mairangi Bay – fingers crossed!

But no matter what the weather does it is bound to be a great race as all of our fantastic sponsors have really stepped up with prizes for our winners as well as a couple of goodies for EVERY participant.

Mairangi Bay Beach is definitely the place to be Sunday for the first of our 10km winter race, just in case you have forgotten all the details they are as follows.

10km Winter Series
Mairangi Bay * Takapuna * Orakei

Everyone welcome, spec skis, ocean skis, outriggers, masters, novice even super stars

Race 1 Sunday June 26^th Mairangi Bay 3.30 start
Race 2 Sunday August 21^st RAYC, Orakei 3.30 start
Race 3 Sunday September 25^th Takapuna Beach 3.30 start

Product Prizes for all Race winners and place getters.C

Cash Prizes for Series winners and place getters.

$25 Enter per race or $50 for the series (if paid at the first race)

All race venues were choose because of their proximity to club bars and cheep beer, so make sure you allow time for cheap drink, a hot sausage and a debrief after the race

Bring your PFD and high viz vest and enter on the day or contact Katie directly katiepo@ihug.co.nz or 021 932 116

Very Very Exciting News

We are very excited to inform everyone that we have recently secured a naming sponsor for our upcoming Winter Race Series!

Living up to their mantra of "fresh thinking" Pita Pit have given our race series some thought and decided to get in behind paddling in Auckland, they are officially the principal sponsor of our little series - see I told you it was exciting news!!!

Like us, they believe with their uber healthy, super simple, fast, yummy menu is a good fit with the high pedigree of paddlers in our growing community. So we encourage everyone to support Pita Pit as they are supporting us. Their great stores are located at

Takapuna
Auckland City Metro
Britomart
Symond Street
Greenlane
Viaduct Harbour
Mairangi Bay

Check out what they are all about on their great website http://pitapit.co.nz

And if that news isn't exciting enough, we are also very excited to announce that we are now officially part of the Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) "Kayak Krazy" race series. This is also a 10km Winter Race Series (what can I say - great minds think alike!) however CRNZ have races all over the country, namely

Race 1 - Lake Pupuke, North Shore
Race 2 - Mairangi Bay Beach, North Shore
Race 3 - Taipari Strand, Te Atatu
Race 4 - Onepoto Park, Porirua
Race 5 - Clive River, Hawkes Bay
Race 6 - Lake Hood, Ashburton
Race 7 - Waitra River, New Plymouth
Race 8 - Orakei, Auckland City
Race 9 - Lake Hood, Ashburton
Race 10 - Lake Okareka, Rotorua, also national 10km Champs

Surf ski paddlers are encouraged to attend these races and give the kayakers a bit of a scare. Our Mairangi Bay and Orakei races are race 2 and 8 in the series, meaning that you can use the Kayak Krazy points that you gain in our two races towards an overall series ranking in their series.... Confused? Best check it all out on their very styly website

http://www.canoeracing.org.nz/Home-1/Events/default.aspx

Please also note that we have changed the date of our third race in the series, Takapuna, to the following week; the race date is now Sunday September 25th, which accommodates the Cambridge to Hamilton river race on the 18th.

Catch you all in a couple of weeks at Mairangi Bay.

10km Winter Race Series

We have just posted all the details for our exciting 10km winter race series on the "Races" tab above, check it out if you want to enjoy some quality racing this winter.

We have also updated the dates for our Sunday afternoon squad training sessions so that they work in better with RAYC regular fortnightly 10-12km race, so click on the "Squad Info" tab to make sure you know exactly when and where we are training each Sunday.

Hope you are all well and making the most of this blissfull autumn paddling weather.

Catch you all on the water soon.

Smiles
Katie

Race Report 18km Downwind

Despite the gale force winds on Saturday the Auckland Harbour was close to glass off on Sunday morning. At 11am race directors Jason and Katie Pocock had to make the tuff decision as to which of the two courses they were going to choose for the much anticipated 20km Downwind Race. A week out from King of the Harbour, the country’s premier Ocean Paddling Race, they were eager to make the right decision. Their two options were

1. Southerly, westerly or calm conditions – Little Shoal Bay to Mairangi Bay beach (23km)

2. Easterly or northerly winds – Shakespear Park to Mairangi Bay beach (17km)

In anticipation of the forecasted north-west winds the second course was chosen, but with one small amendment. A turning buoy was placed at the Arkles Bay (the base of Whangaparaoa Peninsula) creating and L shaped course, adding an extra kilometre to the overall distance and hopefully enabling the field to pick up some of the north in the breeze that was forecasted earlier in the day.

Most of the field loaded up their skis on the large surf club trailer and pre registered at the course finish - Mairangi Bay. Paddlers arrived at the picturesque Shakespear Regional Park with enough time to spot a few Peacocks, prepare their boat and drink systems for the race ahead and talk a bit of smack before the start.

One of the points of conversation of this race was the staggered start, Women paddlers went of dot, spec ski paddlers five minutes later and the rest of the field three minutes after that. Prizes were to be awarded for line honours, a 500m hot spot for both men and women as well as first 40+, first 50+ and first open 3 person team and first over fifties 3 person team – needless to say that the pace was on right from the start.

Katie Pocock took out the womens hot spot and settled into her stroke comfortably straight away pulling away from the experienced and fit Dene Simpson. Danny Morrison also took off fast as the only spec ski paddler in the field, eager to catch long-time rival/nemesis Pocock. The Men’s field took off with vengeance three minutes later with newly relocated Cantabrian Ben Keys, showing his Surf Lifesaving pedigree and surprising some in the field to take the Hot Spot. Special note goes to Dave Chambers at this stage as he claimed the auspicious “cold spot” title at the same time.

After the fast start pre race favourite, recent Trans Taupo Champion Tim McLaren lead a small group including Tim Grammar, Paul Wilford, Oskar Stielau, Simon Longdill and the fast starting Keys in the long slog down the peninsula into the tide and mild nor-wester wind. McLaren whittled this competitive group down slowly while chasing the women’s field and eventually paddled past tiring Pocock at Browns Bay with only Tim “Rooster” Grammar hanging on his wash.

And despite the anticipated winds failing to blow that is how things finished up in the end, McLaren eventually pulling away and finishing with a clear victory from Grammar, Wilford, Stielau, Longdill and a slightly blown Keys. Pocock was third across the line but slowed considerably with Simpson finishing only 30 seconds behind her in the end.

Special note must go to the following

First 40+ paddler – Tim Grammar

First 50+ paddler – Dene Simpson

First Open 3 Person Team – Tim McLaren, Tim Grammar, Simon Longdill

First Over 50s Person Team – Dene Simpson, Grant Heim, Sven Hansen.

A small but enthusiastic group of three contested the Novice 8km race which tracked into the finishing field, around a buoy off Browns Bay reef and back to Mairangi Bay Beach. Congratulations to Greg Morrison for taking out this win.

A special thanks also goes to all the very cool sponsors who supported the race, namely

Sierra Coffee – Cam Scott

Fenn Kayak NZ – Oskar Stielau

Delmaine Fine Foods – Paul Wilford

Balance Nutrition – Bailey Elliott

Mairangi Bay Surf Club

Make sure you support these very generous paddlers by purchasing there high quality product when you can.

For a full list of results click on the “races” tab above.

Mens Ocean Race



1. Tim McLaren 1.25.49
2. Tim Grammar 1.27.07
3. Paul Wilford 1.27.52
4. Oskar Stielau 1.38

20km Downwind Race Results

A big thanks to all that made this afternoons 18km race a huge success. In particular I would like to acknowledge the following sponsors

Sierra Coffee
Fenn Kayaks NZ
Delmaine Fine Foods
Balance Nutrition
Mairangi Bay Surf Club

And a big thanks to all you 31 paddlers who participated today despite the far from favourable conditions. A full list of results is below.

Mens Ocean Race

1 Tim McLaren 1.33.49 2 Tim Grammar 1.35.07 3 Paul Wilford 1.35.52 4 Oskar Stielau 1.36.15 5 Simon Longdill 1.36.27 6 Ben Keys 1.37.24 7 Ian Mercer 1.37.35 8 Grant Heim 1.37.52 9 Robbie Ford 1.39.12 10 Daryl Forsyth 1.39.50 11 Sven Hansen 1.40.21 12 Danny Morrison 1.40.51 13 Paul Gillard 1.41.01 14 Brendon Davey 1.41.09 15 John Soko 1.41.45 16 Peter Dallimore 1.42.37 17 Vaughan Reed 1.45.24 18 Dave Chambers 1.46.13 19 Graham Burrell 1.46.27 20 Greg Jones 1.46.47 21 John Land 1.47.29 22 Andrew Czar 1.49.01 23 John Sanderson 1.49.45 24 Warren Trenthey 1.54.25

Mens Hot Spot Winner Ben Keys

Womens Ocean Race

1 Katie Pocock 1.36.11 2 Dene Simpson 1.36.40 3 Chris Keeling 1.56.32 4 Jackie Dring 2.05.35

Women’s Hot Spot Winner Katie Pocock

Novice Race

1 Greg Morrison - 2 Alan Williscroft +0.01.02 3 Phil Van Polanen +0.04.08

Open 3 Person Team Winners Tim McLaran, Tim Grammer, Simon Longdill

50+ 3 Person Team Winners Dene Simpson, Grant Hiem, Sven Hansen

20km Downwind RacenResults

Whangaparoa It Is!!!

In anticipation of the nor westerly wind(8 – 10 knots, gusting 18) forecasted for this afternoon we are running with our Whangaparoa Course, which will start at Shakespear Park at 1500. We will put a turning buoy on the northern side of the Stillwater marina entrance so paddlers will hopefully be sheltered from the west in the breeze as the paddle back to Mairangi Bay.

Obviously the logistics of this course are a little more challenging so if people do have space in their car for extra paddlers, we can put their ski on the trailer then please text or phone Katie on 021 932 116. We are hoping that we can make it so no one need to run the shuttle back up the coast to collect a ski after the race.

The 8km novice course will start at Mairangi Bay at 1600 and involve a paddle around the Browns Bay reef.

Registration opens at 12noon at Mairangi Bay.

See you all soon.

Katie

Start List for 20km Downwind

The starters below is accurate as of 1700 today.

1 Greg Jones

2 Greg Morrison

3 Phil Van Polanen

4 Grant Heim

5 John Sanderson

6 Dene Simpson

7 Paul Wilford

9 Tim Grammar

10 Cameron Scott

11 Ian Mercer

12 Jackie Dring

13 Dave Chambers

14 John Land

15 Andrew Czar

18 Tim McLaren

19 Brent Clode

20 Peter Dallimore

21 Robbie Ford

22 Alan Williscroft

23 Mike Weaver

24 Simon Longdill

25 Sam Newman

26 Vaughan Reed

27 John Soko

28 Warren Trenthey

29 Paul Gillard

30 Graham Burrell

31 David Josephson

32 Danny Morrison

33 Oskar Stielau

20km Downwind Race Day Info

All the race day info for this Sundays 20km downwind race is on the "Races" tab above, so monitor that page if you want to stay in the loop

Even though the early bird entry fee has closed it is not to late for you to enter the race, just email katie on katiepo@ihug.co.nz or turn up on the day - just make sure you monitor this website so you know exactly what downwind course we are racing on.

Catch all you rock stars Sunday!!!!

Apologies - no training tonight March 17th

So very sorry about the late notice, but there is no training tonight March 17th as I have had to make a last minute emergency trip to the hospital for a small family emergency.

Apologies again for the very late notice, unfortunatly it could not be helped.

Don't forge enteries for the 20km downwind and the 8km novice course can be emailed to me directly.

katiepo@ihug.co.nz

First winter training session is Sunday May 7th at 4pm at Takapuna Beach.

KP

Don't Forget No Squad Training Today

Due to Surf Nationals (and a lack of coaches!) there will be no squad session today March 10th. I am sure that all you avid website followers will have known this as it has been well documented on the website all summer.

Our final squad session is the following Thursday March 17th at Taka and will involve a 3km time trial for both Novice and Intermediate squads - so lock that date in.

We will have the whole of April off training before launching into our regular winter training on Sunday 7th of May at Takapuna beach at 4pm. Winter training will be every second Sunday from this day forward.

Hope all the KOH prep is on track!

Catch you soon.

KP

No Beginner Training This Week

Unfortunatly there will only be an 6pm Intermediate session tomorrow at Takapuna. If you had planned to come down for the beginner session at 5 then you are welcome to make the jump and join in with the later squad - we would love to see you!

Apologies for the late notice, I have been called back to work to cover all of the personnel that are down in Christchurch.

We will be back to the usual squads and times next Thursday, March 3rd.

20km Downwind Race

Following on from the success of the Inter-club Champs on Sunday at RAYC, we are very excited about launching our latest race - a 20km downwind paddle on the North Shore Beaches. We know that you are all keen to chase the wind and we know that you will be wanting to increase your race distance in the lead up to King of the Harbour (this race is the week before) so we have come up with two great options with limited "dick round factor" or DRF, they are

Southerly, westerly or light winds
Little Shoal Bay to Mairangi Bay

Easterly or Northerly winds
Shakespear Park to Mairangi Bay.

We also have a 8km out and back course for the finish for all our novice paddlers

Check out all the details by clicking on the "Races" tab above and email back your entry ASAP.

Good and Bad News

We all know that the path to world domination in a surf ski is a constant ride of ups and downs, ebbs and flows (literally!) and successes and failures. With this in mind Pocock Paddling sadly announces the cancellation of it's next race on Sunday January 23rd, however it is very excited about it's next race

Cheltenham to Long Bay

Sunday March 27th 2011, 3pm start16km Ocean Race - individual9km/7km Relay option - 2 person teamBonus prize for best team result

For more details, check out the "Races" link above

Happy New Year!!!

New summer squad session timetable on the "Squad Info" tab.

First session next Thursday Jan 13th.

See all you rock stars then.

KP