kayaking the pacific islands. - Canoe & Kayak

Cambridge to
Hamilton 2008
by Su Sommerholder
The Cambridge to Hamilton Race was started 31 years ago
by Auckland Canoe Club.
Due to its suitability for most ages, kayak models, and kayaking abilities, it
has proved to be enduringly popular. Kayaks, canoes, sit-on-tops, outriggers,
surf skis and waka - in fact any craft which is paddled - were all welcome to
enter.
It has always been run over two distances. 23km from Cambridge to Hamilton
or 11km from The Narrows to Hamilton. Participants could either enter the
handicapped race or just cruise down. It was not unusual to find families of
three generations competing, sometimes stopping off on the way to enjoy a
picnic lunch.
Competitor numbers varied between 20 and 80. Most people knew each other
and enjoyed meeting up once a year. Participation was much more important
than winning. There were medals for the first three place getters of each age
group and chocolate fish for everyone else.
By the late 1990’s, numbers were growing and it was difficult to find volunteers
within Auckland Canoe Club who could dedicate enough time to organize
the race. In 2002, nobody was willing to take it on and it looked like the race
would end. To avoid this, Auckland Canoe Centre took it over, made it into a
commercial venture, and approached their suppliers for sponsorship.
Paddling Perfection immediately sponsored a multisport kayak and the
tradition of having one or more kayaks as spot prizes, began. Tremendous
support from kayak and accessory manufacturers as well as suppliers of
other interesting products saw the value of sponsored prizes rise to almost
$20,000 last year.
Four years ago when Canoe and Kayak purchased Auckland Canoe Centre, the
race was retained by race director Su Sommerhalder, who now organizes it as
Akarana Kayaks Cambridge – Hamilton Kayak Race and Cruise.
The race continued to grow and in 2007 reached a record 350 competitors in
320 kayaks. Similar numbers are expected this year. Competitors come from all
over the North Island. The youngest competitor so far was three (he paddled
with his father) and the oldest eighty. The eighty year old even won a trophy
in the over-sixty age group.
Kayak shops hire kayaks to competitors who don’t have their own, and some
of them from New Plymouth, Auckland and Hamilton organize group trips to
the race. This ensures those with less experience can still join in the fun.
Launching kayaks at
Cambridge 2006.
A new experience is on offer this year. Donald Calder, of Rotorua has imported
two 15-20 seater canoes. He is taking these to the race and encourages people
to participate who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to paddle.
Bookings are essential and all the equipment is supplied. Text or phone Donald
on 021-343980 for more information.
The Race Briefing is at Riverside Reserve south of Cambridge, at 11am. The
first kayaks away at 11.30am. Hot showers are available at the race finish.
Lunch for the competitors will be ready on arrival in Hamilton. Trophies will
be presented at 2.30 pm followed by distribution of the major spot prizes.
The entry fee is $49 for adults and $25 for people under 18. This includes a
race pack with a drink, nibbles and useful gift; also a quality T-shirt and lunch.
Plus the chance of a valuable spot prize.
Major prizes this year include:
Q-Kayaks Kiwi Touring Kayak, $1250
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 with rudder and seat $1749 plus Carlisle Arctic
Carbon Paddle $250.
Sea Kayaking holiday in Fiji with Safari Lodge.
For further details and to enter on-line check out www.kayakrace.co.nz .
Entry forms can be collected from most kayak shops and canoe clubs, or contact
the Race Director, Su Sommerhalder on kayakrace@akaranakayaks.com
Phone/fax (09) 631-5344 or 0275-529-251 (0275-Kayak1.)
Katilla Kramer & Hedo Rientsma
Rex Barlow & Charles Hoy
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