Stellar kayaks

At the Colonel paddle wheel boat christening June 22, 1985 were, from left, Frances Anne Moody, Darlene Hendricks Moody, Ann McLeod Moody, Colonel pilot Capt. Joe Mims, Mary Moody Northen and an unidentified Colonel crewman

It lacked nothing. Every ingredient of a great sporting drama was present. Perseverance, will power, unwavering commitment and the battle of mind over matter. And that was just the race briefing. For the 42 athletes, waiting like coiled springs on a ferry 25 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coast the inspiration they needed in their quest to be the first back to shore was being played out before their very eyes by race organiser Neil Gellatly. Previously of Coast to Coast fame. Now of "Ralph to Ralph" fame.  

Olympic Games kayakers Mike Walker and Dene Simpson proved their staying power in winning Saturday's Rangitaiki marathon paddle in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.  On the tail of winning the Trans-Taupo race the previous weekend.., Walker and Simpson cruised to victory in the inaugural 42km Rangitaiki race, which included a couple of tough kilometers of boat portaging.
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