Day One

Day 1
Amazing start to the event! Perfect conditions for the paddle. Departed Riverton Coastguard at around 7:45am, beautiful sunrise to start the day. I was lucky enough to be able to join them on the Coastguard boat and accompany them in their first leg of their amazing journey. We arrived at Centre Island at about 8:20am. Nick and Denis disembarked and took the opportunity to take photos up at the Lighthouse. They launched off Centre Island at 8:45am and made their way across an ‘oily calm’ Foveaux Straight in about 1 hr 30 min. Many thanks to the boat crew, Noel, Ranui and Mark. Also a big thanks to Ken at the shed and Dusty at the boat ramp in Colac Bay. Finally we thank the Oraka Aparima Runaka for allowing access to Rarotoka.Your support is greatly appreciated.

A huge crowd gathered at the Colac Bay boat ramp to welcome our boys in. Many slightly caught out by their early arrival! Once out of the kayak and up the ramp, there was a ‘quick’ change, a bite of baking and farewell to their supporters whom they wish to say a huge thank you to! Also many thanks for all the generous donations.

Just along the road in Riverton they were joined by Derek and almost Brendon, who unfortunately brought an odd combination of bike shoes! He managed to catch up with them just before Otautau. The boys battled in to a sturdy Nor-Wester and were slightly ‘stuffed’ by Wreys Bush. With the addition of Gary Horner, and for a fleeting moment Mandy Crawford, they soldiered on! Another fuel stop at Mossburn and another rider, Richie at Five Rivers the boys took on their last leg to Garston!
Arriving in Garston just before 6pm they finished in good spirits but very keen for a sit down! Special thanks to Derek and Brendon for minimising the ‘wind factor’ for our boys!
Day 2 brings a change of pace and equipment – tackling the Nevis Road to Cromwell being their next challenge. I intend to do my part by riding with them (only on the down hill!) tomorrow.

Signing off, Hannah