Rafters on the river

---

Weather wasn’t a factor as rafters paddled their various weird and wonderful craft down river in the recent 2018 Waipu River Raft Race. Organised as essentially a fun event by the Waipu Boat & Fishing Club the iconic race was revitalised last year after an absence of over twenty years. 

Health and safety issues have meant modifications in the materials used to build rafts, but there was still a fair amount of kiwi ingenuity to be seen and good numbers of entries which included seven junior craft, ten seniors and three paddle boarders. 

While the interference and flour-bombing of yesteryear is no longer allowed, rafters have to navigate a powerful and cold jet of water courtesy of the local fire brigade. It was a fun event and included input from the Lions, a coffee cart and hot dog stand making it a community event worthy of fostering in the future.

          
 

- PHOTOS/Supplied

---