KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Warriors took to the waves yesterday, paddling from Takapuna beach to Rangitoto before running to the summit of the volcano and - a few blisters the worse - paddling home.
Former Kiwi Mark Bourneville, who these days heads the Piha Surf Club's boat team, helped run the training session.
"It's good for the players to do something interesting and different in summer training. It was particularly difficult for a bunch of first-timers, because they were going against the tide and there was a bit of chop and a fair bit of wind as well.
"Normally one of our Piha crews can get out there in about 30 minutes, but this took the Warriors about 50 plus. So they've got something to aim for next time they do it."
Bourneville said the Warriors acquitted themselves well.
"One or two of the Aussie boys have done it before - Hendo [Ian Henderson] definitely had the knack. Some of the big boys are perfectly built for it - I'd sign up Simon Mannering any day."
- NZ HERALD STAFF
