When I first moved to Wellington I thought there is no way I would be kayaking over the winter, it is way too cold. Kayaking is so good for you both physically and mentally, the days on the water in the K1 where your cutting through the clear water listening to the sound of the water off the hull and the little splash with each paddle stoke, really calms your mind add to that the physicality of repeated stokes and it’s a recipe for a good day.  The next day can be wild and adventurous smashing out through wind and waves to turn around for an adrenaline rush on the way back to harbour.  So really there is no option, you have to paddle all year around.

Thanks to Welly Paddlers, they hold a Cold kiwi Winter series making it a recipe for a fantastic winter. I missed the first round of the series but luckily got along to the second round in Petone and have not missed a round since. On the foreshore at Petone, 21st June it was cold to say the least. Add a cup of great race photos by Sharlene Winiata, posted on Welly Paddlers Facebook and blog sites. A mixture of Waka’s Sups and Kayaks making it a really fantastic event series. A dash of good humour by race organiser Chester Burt soon warmed us all up and sent us all on our way

I missed the start of the race, but soon caught up to the leaders using the tidal flow to my advantage and came home with a third place a good result considering.

I quickly learnt for winter paddling you just have to change what you’re wearing. Thanks to Torpedo7 I got a hold of a neoprene paddling top and shorts (super warm). Combine this with some wet weather pants and I was away.

The next round July 12^th was close to where I live at Dolly Varden park and the sun came out to visit making it a great day out on the water and to top it off I came home with a win being chased to the line by local legend and race organiser Chester Burt.

Some great motivation to keep getting out on the water throughout the winter has to attributed to the Welly Paddlers and their series. If you ever need some motivation to get out for some training, enter a race series.

Next on the list, August 2nd was a race in Wellington Harbour from Evans Bay, I had the flu during the week and was recovering, there was a stonking  wind so a short sheltered course with multiple laps was organised, coming home 5^th. To console myself after the race I went out and spent the next 30 minutes or more playing in the wind swell catching some great rides towards the Wellington Airport.

The next round August 23^rd was back to Petone where I was determined to better my placing from the last round and things were warming up. Chester Burt had the same plans taking line honours, a young paddler David Long got between us for second leaving me 3^rd,  4 seconds separating 1^st to 3^rd, some great close racing.

The next race in the series is on the 13^th of September, I look forward to seeing you out there. Thanks to Welly Paddlers for the series and Torpedo7 for their continued support.