The Auckland Downwind Winter Series is a four-part, monthly paddle-sport series that typically runs on the last Sunday afternoon of each month from July through to October.
It caters for stand-up paddleboarders, waka-ama paddlers and surfski paddlers.
The race is principally a downwind event, meaning that a number of long-course options of between 15km and 19km are planned for a variety of weather conditions.
"As all three race disciplines revel in racing with the ocean swell, competitors will typically be hoping for around 20 knots of wind, bringing with it a fast-moving sea," he says.
There is also a short-course "there-and-back" event from the race headquarters at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in Okahu Bay for those new to the sport.
The series category winners are the athletes with a combination of the best times over all four races.
Event co-director Rachael Dodwell, who has the ambition to be a future Kiwi Olympic paddler, says the series unites the paddling community.
"The amazing thing about this event is the appeal to the younger paddlers," she says.
"There really is something for everyone but it is very cool to see the support from the surf-lifesaving crowd, the K1 sprint and marathon crowd, the stand-up-paddle boarders and the waka-ama paddlers."
Sixty-two athletes finished the inaugural race recently and 48 of these have signed up for the whole series.
Co-ordinators are expecting about 50 to 70 paddlers for each race. For race one there were 20 competitors under the age of 20 and the oldest athlete was 63.
Spencer believes this shows paddle-sports are achievable for anyone who is willing.
"The great thing about SUP, waka-ama and surfski paddling is that due to the low-impact nature of the sport, when compared to marathon running for example, we have a very wide age range that the sports appeal to."
Spencer adds that a cold beer inside the warm Royal Akarana Yacht Club after braving the conditions is half the fun.
"There were a few war stories after last weekend's race. To stand and have a beer inside Royal Akarana Yacht Club with 60 other competitors and absorb the 130-year-old history of the place is awesome."
And if you come along Spencer will be more than willing to have a beer with you afterwards. He has simple advice for those with an interest in paddle-sports.
"Come down and meet us, if you are keen to be a part of this wonderful sport," he says. "Auckland is a city designed for watersports folk.
"We can offer one-on-one training for people interested in starting paddling, help you choose the right equipment, and get you started.
"Come and have a look for yourself at what all the fuss is about."
Paddling heaven
What: Auckland Downwind Winter Series
Race 2: August 17
Race 3: September 28
Race 4: October 26
Where: Royal Akarana Yacht Club
For more information visit: http://www.pacificoceanpaddlers.com/index.php/featured/39-news/74-auckland-downwind-winter-series-2014
Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/kiwioceanpaddlers/
