Olympian Darryl Fitzgerald caused more than a ripple at this year's sprint champs on Lake Tikitapu at the weekend.
The two-day event, held in pristine conditions, gave Fitzgerald the opportunity to show he could be the man to step up to the mark in the men's K1 1000.
The 22-year-old, more identifiable for his deeds with K2 partner Steve Ferguson, says he wants to start making his name in the single seater. Winning five from five in the 1000m race, Fitzgerald hopes it will be enough for New Zealand selectors to take notice.
"I'm giving the K1 a go, it's been really great this weekend. I'm winning the spots; hopefully the selections are taken care of."
Paddling for Poverty Bay, Fitzgerald said it had been hard after the Olympics to get the motivation running again.