March is a busy time of year in New Zealand in terms of ski racing with 3 big events capping off what has been a great season. We invite ski racers of the world (especially those across the ditch in Australia) to come join us for 1, 2 or all 3 of the races we have coming up.



The first is the Twin Rivers – This held in a small town called Paeroa is a different race where you start in one river (the Piako) travel out that river into the Firth of Thames (sea – possibility of being quite rough) and back into another river (Waihou). This is a great race due to the variable conditions between the river and out in the sea part of the course and takes around 22-25mins on a good day for the top runners (but can be a lot longer if the sea is rough). This event is on Saturday 6th of March. The Race is 2 up. And There is a 2nd race for Masters, Novice and Sub Juniors.



On the 20th of March we hold an event that we consider “the hardest race in the world”. It is called the Bryce Newton Memorial 100 Miler Classic. ‘The Hundy’ as it is affectionately know is a gruelling 50 lap race on a very small lake – the Blue Lake – just out of Rotorua. We challenge any skier to come take this race on. There is also a 50 miler race as well as other races.



On the 27th & 28th of March the New Zealand National Championships are held on Lake Taupo. This is a 2 day event with 8 races each day with about 15 classes that can be entered in.



If you are interested in attending any of these events, want more information, a tow or anything else please email or call Brad Dutton on 0064 27 4102383 or email brad@rollosmarine.co.nz



In Summary

6th March Twin Rivers Paeroa 55km River/Sea/River

20th March 100 Miler Blue Lake, Rotorua 100 Mile, Circuit Race

27 & 28th March NZ Nationals Lake Taupo Circuit Races – Varying race lengths & lots of Classes

Rob Storum has some great photos from jindabyne available from his site www.inthazoneimages.com.au

Ben Gulley and the No Go team won today's inagural Gold Coast offshore race. Benny and Singo ran tight till halfway when Benny got a lead after singo's team had some trouble with locating the turn! Matt Webster and Mick Kelly dueled for the entire distance with Matt taking third by a rope length in the end (anyone want to buy a sweet 66 inch training ski??? - call mick!)

With a field of 26 starters, it was a huge event that ran to time and in good spirits. All involved had a great time and massive thanks must go to Japs, Andy, Dan Chops and all involved in organising such an event.

Big shout outs must go to the co ck o's (and Benny Mabin) who made the trip down from Blackwater in FNQ to compete, also hiring a helicopter to grab some great footage, Suzie Cartwright for being the only female competitor and for finsihing 10th outright, and Brad Williams for being the youngest competitor at 12 years of age! For Brad to not only start, but finish this event considering the swell was bigger than his height was phenomenal, and a testament to just how well the young fella is going on a ski! Brad not only completed the race, but also came in a credible 18th - very impressive for the size of him!

Final Results:

1st: Ben Gulley
2nd: Chris Singleton
3rd: Matt Webster
4th: Mick Kelly
5th: Andy Ellis
6th: Neil Rix
7th: Zac Welch
8th: Joel Massey
9th: Shannon Gane
10th: Suzie Cartwright

PINK IT
Driver: Gavin Ohlbach
Observer: Jason Wells
Skier: Jason Walmsley

The crew would like to thank all involved for their organisation and help, especially Matt and Jo from Redback Boots.