Stand up paddle boarders racing down the beach for a Le Mans start, began the Mount Maunganui Outrigger Canoe Club's regatta in Pilot Bay today.

Korora novice women, winning.

While the regatta has become a regular event, it is the first time the stand up paddle boards have been included.

'It's a popular growing sport that's been around a little while now,” says club chairperson Paul Woods.

'People want to get competitive about it so we included them in a category in our series.”

Today's is the first of four events in a series that continues with regattas in June August and October.

Condition are calm enough today for the waka racing to use the courses round the Mount and along the coast and around Mouotau (Rabbit) Island or along to Omanu and returning to Pilot Bay.

'It's a bit calm for some,” says Paul. 'There's quite a long lazy swell outside which is not causing any problems.”

The last waka race was expected to start about 1pm.


Tip and Tow returning to Pilot bay.