Sign In / Register
Plans are well underway for the second annual Surf to Surf regatta hosted by Mangawhai Waka Ama on March 14 and 15.
The inaugural regatta, held last year and officially sanctioned by Waka Ama Aotearoa New Zealand, exceeded expectations and this year, the club hopes to welcome up to 650 paddlers and supporters.
An organiser Graeme White says that with strong planning, outstanding community support and a spirit of manaakitanga, the Mangawhai Waka Ama team has created a 2026 race schedule that will bring together more than 15 clubs and 28 teams from across the motu.
While Te Tai Tokerau clubs are expected to dominate the fleet, teams from Auckland and even the South Island will also travel north to compete on the taonga of Te Moana o Mangawhai.
White says Taniwha Outrigging Club will be keen to defend its Surf to Surf Relay title won last year.
In the 10km Estuary Race, Te Pou Herenga claimed victory in the Men’s Open, Mitamitaga o le Pasefika Va’a-alo won the Mixed Open, and Mangawhai Waka Ama celebrated a home-club win in the Women’s Open.
Mitamitaga also dominated the OC4 Surfing Challenge after a close contest with Mangawhai’s Duncan Donuts, while Orakei secured third place.
The three marquee events to watch out for are:
Surf to Surf Relay: Mixed teams of 12 paddlers will tackle a demanding 30km course, racing from the Mangawhai Estuary, over the bar, along the dramatic cliffs to Bream Tail, then across the bay to Waipu. At Waipu, six-person waka will beach through the surf, change crews, and relaunch for the return journey, finishing back in the estuary near the boat ramp. Race starts at 10am on Saturday, finishing between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
10km Estuary Race: Designed for juniors, novices and experienced paddlers, this race runs from the estuary to a turn buoy just off the Mangawhai Tavern before returning to the start/finish line by the boat ramp. The race starts at 2.30pm, with first finishers expected around 3.30pm.
OC4 Surfing Challenge: Held on the Mangawhai Bar, four-person teams compete in heats and are judged on wave size, take-off commitment, wave length and acrobatics. The surfing display will start at 11.15am on Sunday and can be viewed from Ocean Beach below the surf club.
Organisers say the regatta is just as thrilling to watch as it is to race. Last year, spectators lined the estuary with gazebos, marquees and flags, creating a great atmosphere complete with beating drums to welcome paddlers home.
“The scenes of hugs, high-fives, smiles and laughter captured the spirit of waka ama and community connection,” White says.
For updates in the lead-up to the event, follow Mangawhai Waka Ama on Facebook.
“Better still, locals and visitors should come down on March 14 and 15 to experience the action live – and for those keen to give waka ama a go, the club welcomes newcomers to join one of its regular Saturday morning training paddles at 7.45am.”
Established in late 2016, Mangawhai Waka Ama has more than 60 members and is based on the Mangawhai waterfront, with its own storage base and dedicated equipment. The club is riding a high after sending four teams to the Takapuna Beach Cup this month, and bringing home three medals.
White says the club caters to paddlers of all ages and abilities from social and novice paddlers through to competitive athletes training for national and international events. Newcomers welcome.
