Bruce Murphy made a triumphant return when he led the field home in the second round of the Northland Ocean Padders Twilight series at Kowharewa Bay, Tutukaka.
Murphy just managed to haul in the field in the 'Hares and Hounds' format race held in near perfect paddling conditions on the Tutukaka Coast, but was forced to work hard to get line honours.
The new race format saw paddlers power into the wind for 30 minutes and on the sound of a whistle all turn and head for home. Murphy powered into the lead on the outward leg but, mindful of the homeward journey, eased off in the final few minutes.
The dash for home was aided by a building tailwind and some near perfect following seas. First into calm waters of the Tutukaka Harbour was Gordon McKay on his W1 waka ama with veteran David McFarlane (W1) close on his stern but coming home hard was Murphy.
Also in the mix in a mad dash for the beach was Rodd Lovatt on his ski and V1 paddler Clayton Wikaira while two 6-man waka crews were in the thick of the action but opted out of the sprint finish as they are preparing to compete in the 25k Ace Memorial race in Auckland on Saturday.
