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The waters around Mangawhai became the centre of fierce, albeit friendly, competition recently, as more than 300 paddlers took to the waters for the highly anticipated Mangawhai Waka Ama (MWA) Surf to Surf on April 5 and 6.
The event was MWA’s first time as hosts for the three-comp, fun-filled weekend, which showcases the skill and endurance – and even acrobatic skill on the waves – of participating crews from across the country.
One-metre easterly swells and light southwest winds proved ideal conditions for an exhilarating race weekend.
On Saturday, 14 teams lined up for the Surf-to-Surf 15-kilometre relay to Waipu Cove and back, and 19 crews competed in the 10-km Estuary Race to Mangawhai Village and return. On Sunday, the first-ever OC4 Surfing Challenge was held.
Greeted by beating drums and hi-fives as they crossed the finish line, MWA members also made sure paddlers were well fed after their efforts on the waves with nourishing kai, including homemade soups and frybread hotdogs.
MWA committee member and acting race director Duncan McKenzie says that overall, the event ran very smoothly and had a really good vibe.
“Our club put in a lot of prep work prior to the event, council compliance and traffic management was well thought through and well executed,” he says. “The competitor and supporter feedback were super positive, with clubs already booking their teams in for next year. For our inaugural event, it ran well and it was fantastic to see the influx of people into our beautiful Mangawhai estuary.”
