The majestic Whanganui River continues to prove a fertile breeding ground for potential New Zealand water sport stars of the future.
A team of nine Whanganui kayakers overcame atrocious conditions on Lake Okareka in Rotorua over the weekend to produce excellent results at the national 10km championships, a regatta that also doubled as the final round of the national 10km winter series.
Whanganui Kayak Club coach Brian Scott said the conditions tested many competitors as strong winds hammered the course.
"At times the stronger gusts literally blew athletes out of their boats, however, all Whanganui athletes managed to stay upright to claim some excellent results," Scott said yesterday.
In the national 10km event seven of the nine Whanganui athletes came away with medals, including three golds, one silver and three bronze.