Loop race back on the water
The Foxton Loop Race kayaking and paddling event will return this weekend after a three-year absence.
The race is on Saturday and starts off the end of Wharf St, behind Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom in Foxton.
It was run from Foxton township until 2010, when it was relocated to the Manawatu¯ Marine Boating Clubrooms at Foxton Beach. The loop became blocked by weeds and it was impossible for kayaks to negotiate their way through the southern end of the loop to the river.
During the winter of 2016, there were two large floods, which cleared the weeds, allowing the race to run on its original course. Because of dwindling numbers this was the last time the race was held.
This year is a welcome return of the race, with the reins taken up by Welly Paddlers. The Wellington team is made up of Chester Burt, formerly of Pahı¯atua, and Sharlene Winiata, formerly from Levin.
The race was first run in 1988, and was organised by Mike Rowley and Max Grant, from the Ruahine White Water Club.
It was to promote competition in the area and to make kayakers aware of the unique circuit around the loop where the river used to flow, before the Whirikino cut was put in place in 1943.
In 1995, the first six-person outriggers competed by paddling in and out of the northern end of the loop as they were too big to negotiate going through the southern end.
The event usually draws 30-60 paddlers from Wellington, Taranaki, Wairarapa, Whanganui, Manawatu¯ and Horowhenua, but this year organisers are expecting 80-110 of people. Registration is from 9.30am, with the 3-kilometre, 6km and 12km courses all starting at 11am.