The small, picturesque township of Lipno nestled in southern Czech between soaring mountains and fast -flowing ice melt rivers attracts tourists from all over the world to experience the wild water. Lipno was the setting for the 2010 Czech Nationals, an unseasonal cold and wintry winter snap had temperatures plummeting under 10 degrees during competition. Olympian Vavra Hradilek and current Czech title holder pulled a few strings to allow a few top international paddlers to race at this race normally closed to foreign competitors. Mike Dawson was the only Kiwi on the start list. The Lipno slalom course only flows twice a year and training time on the course is limited to 2 hours leaving little preparation and familiarization for internationals on this, a home course for the CZE team.
The Lipno course is no easy slalom river with tough moves and tougher lines quickly narrowing down the field heading into the semis and finals. In slalom every qualification, semi and final is from scratch a new race and competitors need nerves of steel, technical ability and peak fitness to competitively achieve at this top international level
Day One 28th August
After a stunning qualification race , Dawson (NZL) 113.69s in the semi-finals qualified 2nd for the finals behind Lukas Kubrican (CZE) 110.69s. The course was set with gates repositioned allowing for greater difficulty on this demanding course. Vít Prinidis (CZE) 110.88s took out the finals with Dawson moving to 8th position overall. One of Dawson's training partners Heurteau (IRL) feel foul of the course and moved into 22nd position with a 50s penalty.
Day Two 29th August
Fresh from medaling at the 2010 European canoe slalom championship Olympian Vavřinec Hradilek (CZE) 110.59s took out the title with CZE team mates Michal Buchtel 2nd and Lubos Hilgert (CZE)112.16s 3rd allowing an all Czech podium finish. Ciaran Heurteau (IRL) 5th 113.36s put down solid runs during every round day two of competition. Canadian Paul Manning-Hunter experienced a few difficulties on the course pushing him into 10th position. Michael Dawson (NZL) 4th fastest into the final in 115.61s felt the force of the water causing him to lose precious seconds, collecting penalties and leaving him in 12th. overall.
Dawson relished the opportunity and challenge of another race at top level and now with two solid weekends of racing behind him heads back to Ljubljana joining up with the rest of the Kiwi team readying for final training and preparation before the 2010 Canoe Slalom World Championships begin 7-13th September
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Slovak Open ICF World Ranking Race August 20-21st
The Kiwi slalom team raced the ICF WR Slovak Open over the weekend which served as a pre world competition for the Olympic Qualifier 2011 in Bratislava ahead of slalom world championships in Slovenia
With 121 K1M lining up the competition was fierce with only the top 40 going through to the semifinals. Aaron Osborne was the best of the Kiwis from qualification leading into the K1M semi- finals. Mike DAWSON recovering from injury put down an excellent semi -final run which without an unfortunate touch would have seen him easily in the finals but with the 2s penalty pushed him from 4th to 12th overall 3.34s behind world cup medalist Grzegorz POLACZYK (POL) who put down a clean run . In 26th Aaron OSBORNE was 5.87s behind the winner POLACZYK.
Mike Dawson
Johann ROOZENBURG failed to make the cut leaving him in 58th position 107.52, 9.06 s off the qualification leader.
In C1 M Nicolas PESCHIER (FRA) 102.02s took out the qualification ahead of Matej BEŇUŠ (SVK) 103.86s. Young Kiwi Brent BASTIN the best of the NZL C1M put down a clean run 120.82s leaving him in 37th position and just out of the semi-finals. Other NZL athletes on the course were Shaun HIGGINS 46th 138.69s and Ben GIBB 48th 146.78s.
In K1 W Olympians Štepánka HILGERTOVÁ (CZE) took out the qualifications with a clean run 112.60s with Luuka Jones (NZL) 125.22s in 14th position securing her place in the semi-finals. The semis showed the technical difficulty of the course with Corinna KUHNLE (AUT) 101.93s taking out first spot in the finals ahead of fellow AUT Vio Oblinger. Luuka Jones (NZL) moved into 19th position after encountering some troubles and incurring three penalties on the course with a time of 135.65s
Luuka Jones
Following their recent training in Bratislava, many of the senior slalom team members have been training in Tacen, Ljubljana, on the course which will host the World Champs next month in Slovenia.
"We love Tacen" is the verdict of the Kiwis who have made the Slovenian capital home for the past eight weeks
The bad news on the slalom front is the withdrawal of Louise Jull from the Slovak Open through injury, the Kiwi contingency are hoping she will be back on track in time for the World Championships. Louise is the top NZL C1 W paddler, 2nd ranked NZL K1W and a key member of the NZL K1 W team for the world championship where performance goals had been looking promising .
NZL Results
K1M (121 competitors)
Michael Dawson 12th
Aaron Osborne 26th
Johann Roozenburg 58th
K1W (45 competitors)
Luuka Jones 19th
Louise Jull DNS injured
C1M (53 competitors)
Brent Bastin 37th
Shaun Higgins 46th
Ben Gibb 48th
The NZL team now travels to Ljubljana for their final preparation before the World Championships September 7-12th
With 121 K1M lining up the competition was fierce with only the top 40 going through to the semifinals. Aaron Osborne was the best of the Kiwis from qualification leading into the K1M semi- finals. Mike DAWSON recovering from injury put down an excellent semi -final run which without an unfortunate touch would have seen him easily in the finals but with the 2s penalty pushed him from 4th to 12th overall 3.34s behind world cup medalist Grzegorz POLACZYK (POL) who put down a clean run . In 26th Aaron OSBORNE was 5.87s behind the winner POLACZYK.
Mike DawsonJohann ROOZENBURG failed to make the cut leaving him in 58th position 107.52, 9.06 s off the qualification leader.
In C1 M Nicolas PESCHIER (FRA) 102.02s took out the qualification ahead of Matej BEŇUŠ (SVK) 103.86s. Young Kiwi Brent BASTIN the best of the NZL C1M put down a clean run 120.82s leaving him in 37th position and just out of the semi-finals. Other NZL athletes on the course were Shaun HIGGINS 46th 138.69s and Ben GIBB 48th 146.78s.
In K1 W Olympians Štepánka HILGERTOVÁ (CZE) took out the qualifications with a clean run 112.60s with Luuka Jones (NZL) 125.22s in 14th position securing her place in the semi-finals. The semis showed the technical difficulty of the course with Corinna KUHNLE (AUT) 101.93s taking out first spot in the finals ahead of fellow AUT Vio Oblinger. Luuka Jones (NZL) moved into 19th position after encountering some troubles and incurring three penalties on the course with a time of 135.65s
Luuka JonesFollowing their recent training in Bratislava, many of the senior slalom team members have been training in Tacen, Ljubljana, on the course which will host the World Champs next month in Slovenia.
"We love Tacen" is the verdict of the Kiwis who have made the Slovenian capital home for the past eight weeks
The bad news on the slalom front is the withdrawal of Louise Jull from the Slovak Open through injury, the Kiwi contingency are hoping she will be back on track in time for the World Championships. Louise is the top NZL C1 W paddler, 2nd ranked NZL K1W and a key member of the NZL K1 W team for the world championship where performance goals had been looking promising .
NZL Results
K1M (121 competitors)
Michael Dawson 12th
Aaron Osborne 26th
Johann Roozenburg 58th
K1W (45 competitors)
Luuka Jones 19th
Louise Jull DNS injured
C1M (53 competitors)
Brent Bastin 37th
Shaun Higgins 46th
Ben Gibb 48th
The NZL team now travels to Ljubljana for their final preparation before the World Championships September 7-12th
Friday, July 23, 2010
Medals for the NZL rafting team in Down River
Congratulations to the NZL Rafting team both Men bronze medal and Women Silver medal
Tauranga rafter makes third for NZL Credit Sunlive . Interview Brent Bastin currently training in Slovenia
21 Jul 2010
Tauranga rafter Brent Bastin and his New Zealand team have placed third in the down river event at the 2010 Teva Rafting World Championships. It was held in the Netherlands on Dutch Water Dreams, an artificial course built in the last five years, with 48 teams from 37 countries competing in four different disciplines; time trial, head to head, slalom and the down river.
Brent Bastin with team mates rafting at the World Championships in the Netherlands.
The event, which occurred over the weekend, did not start too promisingly for the New Zealand team, but it did well to place third."After a slow start on Thursday morning in the time trial we were not looking in the best shape for a swift finish," says Brent."However, as the afternoon rolled in we got our stuff together and had our first head to head down the course with Serbia."We had a good start that allowed us to get a jump on the Serbians to take the win."In the quarter finals we came up against Hungary and took the lead early to win by nine seconds, however, we were accused of intentionally cutting them off acquiring a 10 second penalty to knock us out of the semi-final."The second event was the slalom on Friday."In our first run we got given a 50 second penalty as we missed a gate due to being full of water. "In the second run we smashed it out - did the third fastest time of the day, however, we had a delayed 50 second penalty added due to one of the paddlers just missing the gate."Brent says this was a 50/50 call."Saturday was a day to redeem ourselves in the downriver. The downriver is a 30 minute paddle made up of laps, racing down the course, out around the lake then back down the course with the field split into two pods."It was brutal as we had last lane pickings, but managed to get ahead of the field really early in the game and held our lead to win by a little over a minute. However, in the second pod the Brazilians and the Japanese managed to take first and second with us in third by 20 seconds. "With a podium finish this gave us points to finish ninth overall. Not the place we were hoping for, but with the lack of time in the boat together not a bad result in the end."The kiwi girls which included Louise Jull ( Otaki) also performed well in the slalom with a silver medal to add to the collection. With a close battle for first place the girls were happy with their result."
21 Jul 2010
Tauranga rafter Brent Bastin and his New Zealand team have placed third in the down river event at the 2010 Teva Rafting World Championships. It was held in the Netherlands on Dutch Water Dreams, an artificial course built in the last five years, with 48 teams from 37 countries competing in four different disciplines; time trial, head to head, slalom and the down river.
Brent Bastin with team mates rafting at the World Championships in the Netherlands.
The event, which occurred over the weekend, did not start too promisingly for the New Zealand team, but it did well to place third."After a slow start on Thursday morning in the time trial we were not looking in the best shape for a swift finish," says Brent."However, as the afternoon rolled in we got our stuff together and had our first head to head down the course with Serbia."We had a good start that allowed us to get a jump on the Serbians to take the win."In the quarter finals we came up against Hungary and took the lead early to win by nine seconds, however, we were accused of intentionally cutting them off acquiring a 10 second penalty to knock us out of the semi-final."The second event was the slalom on Friday."In our first run we got given a 50 second penalty as we missed a gate due to being full of water. "In the second run we smashed it out - did the third fastest time of the day, however, we had a delayed 50 second penalty added due to one of the paddlers just missing the gate."Brent says this was a 50/50 call."Saturday was a day to redeem ourselves in the downriver. The downriver is a 30 minute paddle made up of laps, racing down the course, out around the lake then back down the course with the field split into two pods."It was brutal as we had last lane pickings, but managed to get ahead of the field really early in the game and held our lead to win by a little over a minute. However, in the second pod the Brazilians and the Japanese managed to take first and second with us in third by 20 seconds. "With a podium finish this gave us points to finish ninth overall. Not the place we were hoping for, but with the lack of time in the boat together not a bad result in the end."The kiwi girls which included Louise Jull ( Otaki) also performed well in the slalom with a silver medal to add to the collection. With a close battle for first place the girls were happy with their result."
Friday, July 2, 2010
Louise Jull takes gold Augsburg Head to Head
Louise Jull kept a cool head and worked hard in the Head to Head race to beat off fellow countrywoman Luuka Jones into third position for the top finish. Racing was tight and brutal on the Olym,pic course and left no room for errors. Congratulations to Louise Jull (Otaki) 1st and Luuka Jones (Tauranga) 3rd
Thursday, July 1, 2010
World Cup Three Augsburg- Canoe Slalom Olympic Discipline
Louise Jull flagbearer for the NZL team at the opening ceremony
Saturday, June 12, 2010
2010 Teva Extreme Games Italy- NZ World Champions
Credit Teva Photos L to R Johann Roozenburg, Mike Dawson, Sam SuttonThe Kiwi contingency of Mike Dawson, Sam Sutton and Johann Roozenburg flew into Munich from recent successes at Vail, Colorado. Leading on from their fine USA performances Dawson wrapped up day one of the racing taking out both events, Ivrea northern Italy.
This morning an outstanding field of international competitors (Olympians, World Champions) lined up on the Chiusella River for the first race of the Teva Extreme Outdoor Games. Despite adverse weather conditions the race was spectacular as the athletes battled it out on this difficult and treacherous stretch of the river demonstrating high technical skills.
Mike Dawson (NZL) won the long race with a time of 6:16:20, with Isaac Levinson (USA) 0:05:10s behind and in third place Eric Deguille (FRA) with 6:23:50. Sam Sutton(NZL) finished a credible 4th position just off the podium with Johann Roozenburg (NZL) 18th in this field of 65 world class international paddlers
The high tensions and competitiveness continued throughout the afternoon with the "King of the Falls, a spectacular race from the top of Chiusella River which saw the top athletes combat it out for the title of" King of the Falls ". Only the top 20 placed athletes from the morning long run were eligible to race the "King of the Falls" An adrenaline test, this race has everyone on the edge competitors and spectators alike with the spectacular waterfalls, gnarly water demanding high levels of technical skills, fitness and endurance sending the crowd wild with excitement
Mike Dawson (NZL) also triumphed in the afternoon and according to 2009 winner and top international slalom paddler Kral Dejan (SLO) 2nd commented ‘Dawson is the King!' in third was well known international Honza Lasko (CZE) and NZL'er Sam Sutton was piped into 4th position
Mike Dawson, spearheading the New Zealand team, is the big winner today. Winner of both this morning's Long Race and winner of the King of the Falls in the afternoon.
In an interview a few months ago, Mike told the organisers that he hoped this year to get a good result..
Working towards the Freeride World Championship title and Team Extreme Kayak World Championship title Dawson faces his opponents with strength and high expectations to reach his goal. With two wins out of four events for the former he is in good standing for the title, the Team Extreme kayak World Championship involves two races slalom and downriver over some treacherous water and will be held over the weekend. Keep an eye out for the next results.
Check out full results http://www.tevaextremeoutdoorgames.it/
This morning an outstanding field of international competitors (Olympians, World Champions) lined up on the Chiusella River for the first race of the Teva Extreme Outdoor Games. Despite adverse weather conditions the race was spectacular as the athletes battled it out on this difficult and treacherous stretch of the river demonstrating high technical skills.
Mike Dawson (NZL) won the long race with a time of 6:16:20, with Isaac Levinson (USA) 0:05:10s behind and in third place Eric Deguille (FRA) with 6:23:50. Sam Sutton(NZL) finished a credible 4th position just off the podium with Johann Roozenburg (NZL) 18th in this field of 65 world class international paddlers
The high tensions and competitiveness continued throughout the afternoon with the "King of the Falls, a spectacular race from the top of Chiusella River which saw the top athletes combat it out for the title of" King of the Falls ". Only the top 20 placed athletes from the morning long run were eligible to race the "King of the Falls" An adrenaline test, this race has everyone on the edge competitors and spectators alike with the spectacular waterfalls, gnarly water demanding high levels of technical skills, fitness and endurance sending the crowd wild with excitement
Mike Dawson (NZL) also triumphed in the afternoon and according to 2009 winner and top international slalom paddler Kral Dejan (SLO) 2nd commented ‘Dawson is the King!' in third was well known international Honza Lasko (CZE) and NZL'er Sam Sutton was piped into 4th position
Mike Dawson, spearheading the New Zealand team, is the big winner today. Winner of both this morning's Long Race and winner of the King of the Falls in the afternoon.
In an interview a few months ago, Mike told the organisers that he hoped this year to get a good result..
Working towards the Freeride World Championship title and Team Extreme Kayak World Championship title Dawson faces his opponents with strength and high expectations to reach his goal. With two wins out of four events for the former he is in good standing for the title, the Team Extreme kayak World Championship involves two races slalom and downriver over some treacherous water and will be held over the weekend. Keep an eye out for the next results.
Check out full results http://www.tevaextremeoutdoorgames.it/
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Teva Mountain Games -Vail Colerado NZL on the Podium
With spectator crowds of close to 35,000 and over 3000 competitors this is a massive event testing the mettle of the world’s best. Held over four days the town of Vail USA becomes a Mecca for the worlds’ top extreme athletes. New Zealanders are strong contenders with a strong reputation for being at the fore of the world’s best in kayaking proved again they are at the top internationally. Congratulations to the following athletes for their prowess
Steep Creek Championship
Sam Sutton NZL, a Rotorua local took out the Steep Creek Challenge ahead of Mike Dawson NZL 2009 champion. Sam showed his style all the way winning both runs with a clear margin ahead of the worlds’ top whitewater kayakers. Sam who had been preparing in the States for the last three weeks showed his superb skill, technique and fitness on both his runs. Mike Dawson sitting in 4th place after run one was ready and rearing for his second run knowing he had to put down a blistering time ,he knew he was in trouble when early into the second run his shaft snapped on a rock heading into the Leap of Faith waterfall and left him working hard to make it down this gnarly river in 7th position. Johann Roozenburg (Rotorua) also showed his ability coming in 6th position after two solid runs. In the women’s challenge Nikki Kelly NZL was piped at the post into 3rd position by old time rival and friend Tanya Faux AUS, Leea Samuels NZL came in a credible 6th position just ahead of fellow NZL’er Rachael Curtis of Nelson
Down River Sprints
Mike Dawson NZL had a clear margin winning the sprint 8..36s ahead of fellow NZL Sam Sutton with Tao Berman USA coming in 3rd position. The NZL paddlers were on a roll and well represented on the podium with top world extreme woman kayaker Nikki Kelly NZL (Rotorua) in 3rd position in the women’s sprint closely followed by Louise Jull NZL (Otaki) a new comer to international extreme events in 4th position.
Mike, Sam and Johann now head towards Italy to contest their World Extreme title in the teams division against the world‘s best extreme kayakers from around the globe. With a sound performance behind them they are looking for a podium finish in Ivrea, Northern Italy
Unfortunately he high temperatures, snow melt and extreme river flows caused the cancellation of the final day of kayak racing and the 9th annual Teva Mountain Games Vail, Colorado June 3-6, 2010 came to an end
http://www.tevamountaingames.com/
BOP Times article Kiwis dominate
Steep Creek Championship
Sam Sutton NZL, a Rotorua local took out the Steep Creek Challenge ahead of Mike Dawson NZL 2009 champion. Sam showed his style all the way winning both runs with a clear margin ahead of the worlds’ top whitewater kayakers. Sam who had been preparing in the States for the last three weeks showed his superb skill, technique and fitness on both his runs. Mike Dawson sitting in 4th place after run one was ready and rearing for his second run knowing he had to put down a blistering time ,he knew he was in trouble when early into the second run his shaft snapped on a rock heading into the Leap of Faith waterfall and left him working hard to make it down this gnarly river in 7th position. Johann Roozenburg (Rotorua) also showed his ability coming in 6th position after two solid runs. In the women’s challenge Nikki Kelly NZL was piped at the post into 3rd position by old time rival and friend Tanya Faux AUS, Leea Samuels NZL came in a credible 6th position just ahead of fellow NZL’er Rachael Curtis of Nelson
Down River Sprints
Mike Dawson NZL had a clear margin winning the sprint 8..36s ahead of fellow NZL Sam Sutton with Tao Berman USA coming in 3rd position. The NZL paddlers were on a roll and well represented on the podium with top world extreme woman kayaker Nikki Kelly NZL (Rotorua) in 3rd position in the women’s sprint closely followed by Louise Jull NZL (Otaki) a new comer to international extreme events in 4th position.
Mike, Sam and Johann now head towards Italy to contest their World Extreme title in the teams division against the world‘s best extreme kayakers from around the globe. With a sound performance behind them they are looking for a podium finish in Ivrea, Northern Italy
Unfortunately he high temperatures, snow melt and extreme river flows caused the cancellation of the final day of kayak racing and the 9th annual Teva Mountain Games Vail, Colorado June 3-6, 2010 came to an end
http://www.tevamountaingames.com/
BOP Times article Kiwis dominate
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Welcome to our latest athletes
Aspiring Amateur Athletes NZ Charitable Trust wishes Mike Dawson all the best in his endeavours as he works towards his Olympic dream and congratulates him on his recent national title and the support SPARC is now offering him after his international successes 2009. A current world champion and silver medallist in extreme kayaking and nominated for international kayaker of the year 2010 this young man at 23 is one to keep an eye on in the future. A truly inspirational athlete and sportsman. Watch this space!
The Trust now welcomes Louise Jull- Otaki as an athlete of the Trust. Louise at 21 continues to work hard at her sport, training, competing nationally and internationally and she is developing a strength in the latest women's discipline C1. Louise whilst training continues to successfully marry it with studies undertaken through Massey University.
The Trust now welcomes Louise Jull- Otaki as an athlete of the Trust. Louise at 21 continues to work hard at her sport, training, competing nationally and internationally and she is developing a strength in the latest women's discipline C1. Louise whilst training continues to successfully marry it with studies undertaken through Massey University.
The Trust also welcomes Brent Bastin. Brent at 19 is the youngest athlete in the Trust. He has one international campaign under his belt and looks forward to steady rise in the ICF ranks during the 2010 competitive year. Brent is also continuing his studies extramurally while training, working and competing to reach his goals
The Trust is in the process of working towards welcoming non Olympic sports into its fold
Congratulations to the following winners
Congratulations to the following Corporate Sponsors
Bronze
Viking Distributors
Silver
Omokoroa First National Real Estate
Platinum
Frasers Papamoa
A special thanks goes to the following businesses for their support
Holland Beckett-Lawyers
Fitco 2006 Ltd
Craig Investment Partners
Strea Holdings Ltd
Viking Distributors
Plaster Centre
Fraser Developments
Omokoroa First National Real Estate
LB Dawson & Associates Ltd
Family Duck Race Winners
1st Tania Young 166
2nd Grace Bastin 144
3rd Carol & Gary McAneny 132
4th Robert .......... 125
5th George ............ 63
6th Tim Orr
Aspiring Amateur Athletes NZ Charitable Trust would like to thank all the family, friends and neighbours who have supported the athletes to help them realise their goals.
Prizes-All winners will be notified
Family Ducks must be redeemed by May 30th.
Corporate sponsorship must be redeemed by December 2010
Read all about it:
Bay News, Wednesday, April 21 2010 page 11
'Ducks race to aid of athletes'
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Great Duck Race
It was a day that could only be dreamed of – still, glassy water set the background with crystal clear sky and a slight sea breeze, just the perfect conditions for all racing rubber ducks.
But Sunday wasn’t just another day for those competitive rubber racing ducks, it was the 2010 Amazing Duck Race held on the infamous Judea (Kopurerua) Stream. This race wasn’t just about the ducks; it was about what they represented. It was a very successful fundraising campaign held by local charitable trust Aspiring Amateur Athletes NZ in a quest to raise some much needed funds for Tauranga athletes heading overseas to compete in their chosen sports at their World Championships.
The race kicked off bang on 10am with supporters lining the banks of the stream cheering on their ducks and they raced for glory and amazing prizes. FitCo Tauranga showed great power off the start line taking an early but dominant lead so convincing it looked as though it was going to be a race for 2nd and 3rd. Fatigue struck the duck on the home stretch, as faltered snagging reeds allowing the race to become a battle between Craig’s Investment Partners and Viking Distributors right down to the line. Craig’s looked good, but a late charge in testing finish conditions saw Viking Distributors kept their composure and take a duck and a half length win showing how important nutrition is on the day.
The family duck race was where ducks represented families battling it out for some Pak’n’Save food vouchers on the stream. Tania Young of Tauranga took first place by a huge margin over Grace Bastin 3rd place went to the Mc Aneny Family.
The athletes supported by this are Mike Dawson, Brent Bastin and Tracey Steens.
Dawson a local canoe slalom athlete just returned home from picking up the NZ national title and is heading off to Europe in 10days to begin his campaign towards the world championships held in Slovenia this September.
Dawson says “ I've had good form recently, and the training I’ve had in Australia this summer I’m looking forward to racing this season, and I’ve got some big goals I want to achieve this season in preparation for London 2012. This money we raised here is going to be a huge help in securing the coaching support we need for this.
Bastin, a Massey university student will join him at the World Champs and has high hopes for his second year in the New Zealand team. After gaining a range of knowledge last year Bastin is excited to perform well in the European season.
Bastin says “ Last year at the world champs was my first year in the senior ranks and everything was pretty new. I’m hoping to use that experience to perform a lot better this season. I’ve had great training environment with our new coach, as well as spending a lot of time on the Kaituna River [just out of Rotorua] in preparation for my trip in a month’s time.
Tracey Steens, a local triathlete involved with the trust will also benefit from the money raised putting it towards here trip to the Age group world championships in Hamburg, Germany this winter.
Results:
1st Tania Young (166)
2ndGrace Bastin (132)
3rdMcAneny Family (125)
4th Robert (125)
5thGeorge (63)
6thTim Orr
Corporate Ducks
Bronze : Viking Distributors
Silver : Omokoroa First National
Platinum : Frasers Papamoa
Aspiring Amateur Athletes NZ Charitable Trust would like to thank following for their support FitCo, Holland Becket, Craig Investment Partners, Viking Distributors, Omokoroa First National, Plaster Center, Frasers Papamoa, LB Dawson & Associates & families for their support
But Sunday wasn’t just another day for those competitive rubber racing ducks, it was the 2010 Amazing Duck Race held on the infamous Judea (Kopurerua) Stream. This race wasn’t just about the ducks; it was about what they represented. It was a very successful fundraising campaign held by local charitable trust Aspiring Amateur Athletes NZ in a quest to raise some much needed funds for Tauranga athletes heading overseas to compete in their chosen sports at their World Championships.
The race kicked off bang on 10am with supporters lining the banks of the stream cheering on their ducks and they raced for glory and amazing prizes. FitCo Tauranga showed great power off the start line taking an early but dominant lead so convincing it looked as though it was going to be a race for 2nd and 3rd. Fatigue struck the duck on the home stretch, as faltered snagging reeds allowing the race to become a battle between Craig’s Investment Partners and Viking Distributors right down to the line. Craig’s looked good, but a late charge in testing finish conditions saw Viking Distributors kept their composure and take a duck and a half length win showing how important nutrition is on the day.
The family duck race was where ducks represented families battling it out for some Pak’n’Save food vouchers on the stream. Tania Young of Tauranga took first place by a huge margin over Grace Bastin 3rd place went to the Mc Aneny Family.
The athletes supported by this are Mike Dawson, Brent Bastin and Tracey Steens.
Dawson a local canoe slalom athlete just returned home from picking up the NZ national title and is heading off to Europe in 10days to begin his campaign towards the world championships held in Slovenia this September.
Dawson says “ I've had good form recently, and the training I’ve had in Australia this summer I’m looking forward to racing this season, and I’ve got some big goals I want to achieve this season in preparation for London 2012. This money we raised here is going to be a huge help in securing the coaching support we need for this.
Bastin, a Massey university student will join him at the World Champs and has high hopes for his second year in the New Zealand team. After gaining a range of knowledge last year Bastin is excited to perform well in the European season.
Bastin says “ Last year at the world champs was my first year in the senior ranks and everything was pretty new. I’m hoping to use that experience to perform a lot better this season. I’ve had great training environment with our new coach, as well as spending a lot of time on the Kaituna River [just out of Rotorua] in preparation for my trip in a month’s time.
Tracey Steens, a local triathlete involved with the trust will also benefit from the money raised putting it towards here trip to the Age group world championships in Hamburg, Germany this winter.
Results:
1st Tania Young (166)
2ndGrace Bastin (132)
3rdMcAneny Family (125)
4th Robert (125)
5thGeorge (63)
6thTim Orr
Corporate Ducks
Bronze : Viking Distributors
Silver : Omokoroa First National
Platinum : Frasers Papamoa
Aspiring Amateur Athletes NZ Charitable Trust would like to thank following for their support FitCo, Holland Becket, Craig Investment Partners, Viking Distributors, Omokoroa First National, Plaster Center, Frasers Papamoa, LB Dawson & Associates & families for their support
Monday, March 8, 2010
Brent Bastin dominates C1M over the weekend
Tauranga canoe slalom athlete Brent Bastin is one of the Bay of Plenty kayakers heading into the North Island Championships in Kawerau this weekend.
Tauranga canoe slalom athlete Brent Bastin is confident heading into the North Island Championships in Kawerau this weekend after a competitive workout on the Kaituna River last Saturday.
“The overall race winner then was Johann Roozenburg, who recorded a fast time and cleaned out the field,” says Brent. “He had two clean runs and was pleased with his day’s racing.”In the C1 race Brent paddled two solid runs to win by a “solid margin”. He was pleased with his performance this early in the season and is on track for the world cup in June and the world championships in September.“It is important to have these benchmarks when your peak for racing is set for September – to make sure you are achieving your goals during winter training,” says Brent. Nikki Whitehead put in a strong performance winning the K1 women’s race.The masters was a close race with Chris Wood having two solid runs to take the win.In the juniors, Jane Nicholas and Carl Whitehead won the K1 U18 men and K1 U18 women’s. Haven Bellamy won in the U18 C1 men’s.
By Helen Wilson The Weekend Sun March 5th 2010
By Helen Wilson The Weekend Sun March 5th 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Oceania Championships Australia
Hot and sticky was the only way to describe the conditions as the NZL athletes counted down to the Oceania Championships. Michael Dawson 2009 Oceania Champion felt well prepared and ready for the challenge admidst a top international class field of over 200 athletes from around the world. His times were fast but a 50 second penalty laid waste to a chance at the title 2010. He proved his mettle in the Invitational Race winning it well ahead of top international kayaker Dejan Karijl (SLO) and laying down the gauntlet for the European season starting in May. Mike Dawson commented" my times are fast and I know I am easily within reach, I am disappointed I was slightly off line forcing me to head duck the gate allowing a 50 s penalty. I know what I still need to work on." Mike continues training in Australia until the end of March. Congratulations to Mike on being awarded a 2010 Prime Ministers Athlete Scholarship.
Louise Jull continued her fine form heading into the semi finals of the K1W and C1W. The C1W an up and coming class developed over the past three years is showing the women's ability in this difficult discipline. Congratulations to Louise on her performances in both classes. Watch out for this women in C1 at the World Championships in Slovenia later this year.
Brent Bastin was unable to compete in Australia due to family commitments however he continues to be training hard in NZL and is planning on leaving NZL for his European build- up in late May
The Trust wishes to acknowledge the support of FourWinds for the following athletes as they work and train towards success in Europe at the World Cups and World Championships.
Louise Jull continued her fine form heading into the semi finals of the K1W and C1W. The C1W an up and coming class developed over the past three years is showing the women's ability in this difficult discipline. Congratulations to Louise on her performances in both classes. Watch out for this women in C1 at the World Championships in Slovenia later this year.
Brent Bastin was unable to compete in Australia due to family commitments however he continues to be training hard in NZL and is planning on leaving NZL for his European build- up in late May
The Trust wishes to acknowledge the support of FourWinds for the following athletes as they work and train towards success in Europe at the World Cups and World Championships.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tracey Steens-Port of Tauranga Half Ironman
Tracey continues on her winning ways taking 1st place in a credible time of 4 hr 54 min in her latest competition the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman which doubled as the NZL Long Distance National Championships. Tracey had a month's break after her fine results in the World Championships Australia and now is well into her training programme as she prepares for HP competition throughout NZL. Her goal is to work towards a performance bike to help give her an even playing field in the highly competitive NZL and international circuit
Congratulations Tracey
Congratulations Tracey
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