A call going out to SUP boarders

‘‘The youngest competitor we've had is six-years-old and it goes right through to the older ones who are over 60.’’ Stacey Huston

Three Mile Bay will be filled with paddle boarders this coming weekend as the City Surf Series comes to Taupo¯ for the first time.

In its sixth year, the City Surf Series is a 12 race series where paddle boarders take to the water in competition heats.

The day is also for beginners. Organiser Stacey Huston is calling for Taupo¯ locals to rise up to the challenge, grab a board and paddle.

‘‘We really want to try and get a bunch of locals on board,’’ she said.

Usually based in Auckland at Mission Bay or Okahu Bay, the City Surf Series started going to Pauanui only two years ago and this year they decided to extend the series to Taupo¯ .

While champion boarders will be taking on the Lake Taupo¯ challenge, Huston said it is also a day for new boarders – whether young or older.

‘‘It’s pretty much for everyone,’’ she said.

‘‘The youngest competitor we’ve had is six-years-old and it goes right through to the older ones who are over 60.

‘‘We do have the champs but we also have the social guys and relay teams.’’

Huston said they tend to see up to 300 paddle boarders on the water at each event and they really hope they will see over 80 people taking part at Three Mile Bay this coming weekend.

With Three Mile Bay booked out for the event, Huston said they plan to run the event how they normally would but they will introduce a 10km race and also hope to get a boat ride out to the carvings, where they will get off and paddle board back from there.

‘‘We can make it a cultural experience as well.’’

The Taupo¯ event is the eighth event of the series with the next one being held in Mission Bay again.

Registration is free for Taupo¯ people – all they have to do is buy a shirt.

‘‘We are really keen to get them involved whether they’ve paddle boarded before or not.’’

With each event, Huston said they like to give out spot prizes and she is hoping Taupo¯ businesses might come on board and donate some prizes.

People willing to register can do so through their Facebook page.