(added 9th May 2007)

Long Distance Nationals 2007

Following the recent loss of our friend and founding member of the Grizzlies Ken Gilbert, the 2007 Long Distance Nationals was always going to be a special event with special meaning and even greater significance.

The event was held in a beautiful part of New Zealand, Kaiteriteri Beach, just outside Nelson on the northern tip of the South Island. Whilst the remote location resulted in a smaller than usual turn out the Masters field was particularly strong which would give some good competitive racing to look forward to.

Three crews embarked on the trip south and despite some challenges with the weather (fog) and the inter-island ferry, all paddlers and boats arrived safely.

The first crew on the water was the Bruce Brothers in Friday’s Master Mens W2. Following a strong paddle and a close finish the first medal of the regatta was in the bag -  silver medal Master Men W2.

The day of the big race dawned fine and still and by the time race start came along it was certain it was going to be flat water conditions. Before starting the race a prayer in tribute to Ken’s memory was said with all paddlers paying their own mark of respect to the big guy – he would have loved to have been there.

And then the race started.

After a close sprint start White reached the first mark 3^rd with Gold and Black close behind. Dogfish were leading, Team Phoenix in 2^nd and Herbert’s on Tour 4^th.

The run up the coast to the half way point was mostly flat but into a small chop in places. White gave up 3^rd spot overall to Herbert’s but kept a good 4^th overall, 2^nd in the Masters. Gold were close on the heels of White but not as close as Mana Menz who closed to within 3 boat lengths of White at the half way stage.

Black were paddling well but finding it hard to stay on the pace.

The run back home suited White and they opened up a gap on Mana Menz but as the finish line approached Mana Menz closed within 5 boat lengths again and the fight was on. Some inspired calls from Mike Paki, focussed the White crew on the memory of our mate and in good old Ken Gilbert style White pushed on and took out 2^nd in the Master Men W6 (4^th overall) in a time of 2.08.21.

First across the line were Dogfish, 2^nd were Herbert’s with Team Phoenix 3^rd and 1^st in the Master Mens in a time of 2.06.46.

After a tangle with a buoy Gold lost a little time but came home strongly in a time of 2.13.09, 10^th overall and 1^st in the Senior Master Mens W6. Black completed the course in a time of 2.24.49 to secure 2^nd place in the Senior Master Men.

As with the Sprints in January 2007, 18 Grizzlies competed and 18 Grizzlies came away from the Long Distance Nationals with medals. I’d like to think that we had 19 Grizzlies in Kaiteriteri….. eighteen on the water and one just watching us, making sure that we kept up the reputation of the crew that he helped start 13 years ago……

I think he would have been satisfied with what he saw (even though he would never let on).

Thanks for the memories Ken.