But he may be challenged by some of New Zealand's best waka ama paddlers like the Herbert brothers of Pawarenga, Conan and Sean, an up-and-comer Luke Wainui who were all part of the national crew that won bronze at the recent Waka Ama World Long Distance race in Australia last month.
Current weather predictions will see a field of 90 ocean paddlers race from the start line inside Tutukaka Harbour out to a finish line at the Poor Knights Islands. Tailwinds of up to 30 knots are expected on race day, and in those conditions paddlers will reach speeds up to 25km/h.
It is shaping up to be an epic duel according to race director Tim Eves. Racers may even challenge the current race record of one hour, 36 minutes set by Australian Michael Booth five years ago.
"For the experienced ocean paddler these conditions are premium, but for some of the competitors this will test their skills to the limit,' Eves said.
"Small mistakes get amplified in 30 knot winds but, if you can keep it together, 30 knot winds can be an exhilarating experience. I reckon most of these paddlers will be frothing for this. These kind of race conditions are what ocean paddlers live for really," he said.
"The race record is under threat for sure."
This year's event includes a short course option (14km) for the first time to help foster a new generation of paddlers who find the full 30km race course a bit daunting. The short course will start at Matapouri and send racers south to Wellington's Bay.
The long course event is also the first race in the new Darcy Price Memorial National series launch by Canoe Racing New Zealand last month. The Darcy Price series involves five ocean races around the country.
The competitors list this year includes paddlers from Australia, Christchurch, Wellington, Gisborne, Tauranga, Raglan, Auckland and Northland.
