Paddlers get serious about Muri sprints

The much anticipated Muri Beach Sprints day is happening again today, and while it’s all serious racing on water, on land it’s all fun and games!

Event organiser Victoria Dearlove says participants can expect a very busy day of paddling with lots of fun and games on the side.

The day will begin with a tradition turou welcoming all paddlers, supporters and spectators to the event – an experience not to be missed.

The turou will begin from the beach in front of the Ngatangiia rugby field at 7am this morning.

People are asked to park and gather at the Ngatangiia field before the turou, which will lead the crowd down to the front of Sails – the race venue for the day.

Following the turou it’s straight into the water for the first round of races, with the draws already done.

Local paddler and funny man Loui Enoka will be emcee and game master for the day.

Dearlove says in between heats and finals, game master Enoka will be running the infamous activities including paddling a canoe minus the paddles.

Dearlove encourages all new paddlers to take part in the games.

Around 50 races – 500m sprints straight with no turns – will be run throughout the day with organisers hoping to have completed the races by 4pm.

The presentation of medals and trophies will be held in Muri after all races are done for the day, followed by the Steinlarger Muri Mingler.

Motorists are asked to take care when driving through Muri as foot traffic will be high.

Organisers are encouraging safe driving, asking paddlers who will be making use of the bar and taking part in the day’s drinking games to organise a sober driver beforehand.

With only two days of races to go till the end of the 10th annual Vaka Eiva Festivities the wider community is encouraged to get among the crowds and join in the fun.