Pictures at www.picturenz.co.nz
2004 Event Summary
Saturday 14th of February: Time Trial on the
Wairoa River from the put-in to just above The Waterfall rapid. Fastest time by Johann
Roozenburg from Tauranga who did this section in 5 min 18 sec. In the Women's class, Mandy
Planert from Germany won the time trial in 5 min 43 sec.
72 Men and 14 Women entered the race. Only the top 64 Men after the time trial made
the cut to compete in Sunday's Head-to-Head Races down The Waterfall and Rollercoaster
Rapids. The 8 drop-outs received a bottle of vodka at the Red Bull
Party on Saturday night to consolate for lost racing time...
Sunday 15th of February: With new rules in
effect from the Quarter (Men) and Semi (Women) Finals onwards (limited number of lines
through the rapids; see Rules/Information) races in both classes got extremely tight. In
the Men's three times winner Donald Johnstone and favourites Steve Fisher (RSA) and Jarred
Meehan were eliminated in the Quarter Finals. In the Semi-Finals Toby Robertson lost his
race against Allan Ellard (GBR) and Mike Dawson, 17-year-old junior from Tauranga,
eliminated another favourite, Kenny Mutton.
The Final between Mike Dawson and Allan Ellard showed all the excitement of the
Head-to-Head races with lots of lead changes, hard body and boat contacts and unprecedent
action in the rapids. Mike Dawson won the race by a mere arms length, taking home $ 1000
prize money donated by TEVA.
The Women's race was equally exciting and action packed. Jo Lucas got the unlucky
draw to race Olympian paddler Mandy Planert (GER). In the second Semi-Final race Heather
Jull from Palmerston North eliminated favourite Kelly Wood (2nd in 2003). Kelly had to
roll a couple of times in the Rollercoaster, loosing valuable seconds. In the Final Mandy
Planert beat Heather Jull and received $ 500 prize money donated by Dagger
Kayaks. The winners of the Head-to-Heads (as well as the fastest paddlers in Men's
and Women's of day one) also received thermal tops from sponsor Fourth
Element. The Bliss-Stick kayak was won by Olivia Meehan and a large amount of spot
prizes (Robson Paddle, Palm paddle
jackets, Palm buoyancy aids, and other kayaking
accessories) was donated by Topline Agencies. NZ
Adventure Magazine is going to publish up to 8 pages of race report and photos in the
April 2004 issue and donated the "Adventure Magazine Carnage
Award" and two 1-year magazine subscriptions.
2003 Event Story on Playak.com |
