Impressive List of Entrants in First Month at Wild Descent

Media Release from 100% PURE Racing, Queenstown, New Zealand
19.11.2012
Impressive List of Entrants in First Month at Wild Descent

Organisers of New Zealand’s unique kayaking event, Wild Descent, are delighted with the take up from competitors. 100% PURE Racing launched the inaugural event just over a month ago and in a short time the event has quickly traversed the kayaking community and beyond, with entries coming in from all over the country and overseas.

The January, 2013 event is due to kayak the length of the Clutha River, some 260km, from Wanaka to the Pacific Ocean. Wild Descent Co-Director Adam Fairmaid says that the interest generated by the event has been significant and the format appeals to all types.

“We’ve got some of New Zealand’s best paddlers, people who are in training for GODZone, some who see it as excellent preparation for the Coast to Coast and others who just want to spend time with friends exploring one of New Zealand’s great rivers.”

The event has pulled in some of New Zealand’s most recognised athletes of the past few decades which will undoubtedly lead to some interesting battles on the water.
“It’s great to see the return of some Kiwi legends such as Steve Gurney, Steve Moffat and Keith Murray. These are the sort of guys who give the impression that they’re here to enjoy themselves but the spirit of competition won’t be that far away when they sit in the kayaks for the first time.”

Fairmaid thinks that some old rivalries may be reinvigorated which should be fascinating to watch.

“Competition in the mixed pair category looks particularly fierce and could be the battle to watch. Nathan Faav’ae and Sophie Hart, Wendy Riach and Ian Huntsman, Ian Edmond and Nora Roberts together with entries from Sia Svendson and Brent Herdson should make this a compelling competition.”

Adventure racing champion Nathan Fa’avae says he is excited to be on the water for the Wild Descent.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to paddle a such a significant river that wouldn’t normally be easily achievable and an ideal time of the year to do a paddle event, Sophie is hoping to race Coast to Coast so it’ll be ideal training for her and we also see it as superb GODZone preparation and a chance to get more familiar with the kayaks, most of all, it’ll just be awesome fun, river journeys are always special.”

The expedition format, unique concept and the fact that organisers are providing all the kayaks have proved to be a big draw for many participants.

“This format is a big draw and many will be keen to knock off the Clutha. Most competitors have indicated that they will be bringing friends and family to the event. We’re plan to retain the feeling of an expedition but at the same time ensure that the evenings are highly social affairs. We even have a mother and daughter paddling combination with the father coming along to volunteer – that’s a pretty magical way to spend a few days of your summer holidays.”

With entries filling up fast competitors are encouraged to get involved in this journey from mountain to sea. To find out more about Wild Descent visit http://www.wilddescent.com or the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/WildDescent

ENDS

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