Waka Ama: Testing conditions for Bo Herbert paddlers

Gusting easterlies will test paddlers' toughness and mental fortitude as the Bo Herbert Memorial waka ama race hits the Tutukaka Coast tomorrow.

However, if paddlers are trying to mirror the greatest of Bo Herbert himself, there will no doubt be plenty of participants gritting their teeth in the expected rough conditions.

Conan Herbert, son of Bo Herbert, said tomorrow's 30km race, which starts at about 11am from Kowharewa Bay, has a variety of meanings to different people, but always is a special day for his family.

"Bo's [Herbert] race means different things for different people," explained Herbert. "Some are out there to be as good as Bo and try win, and others are out there to try and complete the race course. For me and my brothers it's both a celebration, but also a competition. There will definitely be some emotion but we use it in a positive way and it helps us push ourselves to do the best we can.

"It's a chance for us to celebrate Bo's, and mum's (Chrissy), life," said Herbert. "To spend the day doing something Bo loved [is special].

"Bo loved paddling in the open ocean and the Tutukaka coast can produce some of New Zealand's best open ocean paddling conditions, which makes it the perfect place to hold Bo's Memorial Race."

Herbert said the race course depends on the weather, as the start and the finish were at two different points.

Paddlers will paddle out the entrance of Kowharewa Bay and head south to Goat Island, around a buoy, then use a tailing southeasterly breeze to head north and head around another buoy off Whananaki. Then it's off to the finish in Matapouri Bay.

Earlier this week, with around 72 entrants confirmed, and at the race's capacity, a second support boat has meant more paddlers were able to enter.For more information check out www.wakaama.co.nz