Boat event postponed at Paekakariki Beach

Horrible conditions on the Kapiti Coast have forced organisers to postpone the first round of the New Zealand surf boat series, due to be held at Paekakariki Beach today.

Nearly 40 crews from around the country were due to race over three long-course rounds in the annual Wellington Super Surf Boat Event, only to arrive at a beach buffeted by a fierce onshore north-westerly wind. A rain squall also arrived at midday, making conditions even worse.

"The expected swell didn't arrive but unfortunately the wind did," Paekakarik club spokesman John Hook said. "We looked at alternative venues further up the coast at Raumati and although the waves were smaller, I don't think anywhere in Wellington is escaping this wind. We made the decision to cancel today's racing based on the safety of our competitors and the event support staff."

The Paekakariki club may look at holding a reduced event tomorrow but will make the decision in the morning after assessing conditions.

The next round in the series is at the Whangamata Surf Boat Spectacular in early January, with New Zealand teams for the trans-Tasman series to be selected after the first two rounds.