The NZ Long Distance Surf Ski National Championships were held on Sunday 11 March from Takapuna Beach.

After weeks of great weather and little wind race day was somewhat different with a strong on shore wind producing good waves to surf, side chop and a leg into the wind.  28 people lined up for the start of the triangular course from the Takapuna Boating Club. 

After the start, the group, led by Mike Walker, paddled madly out to the buoy 50m off the beach tying to get the best turn before they all headed to the cable marker at the end of the beach. The field soon started to break up as the side chop caused the odd problem. In the lead bunch was Mike Walker, Paul Wilford ,  Simon McLarin and Rob Nicol.  They then turned and headed out into the Rangitoto Channel with head wind and 1-2 metre waves for the paddlers to contend with as they made their way out to # 1 channel maker. First to turn was Mike Walker closely followed by Paul Wilford.  20-25 meters back only metres separated Simon McLarin and Rob Nicol. Oskar Steilau and Tim Grammer led the rest of the paddlers. The strong tailwind and 1-2 metre waves made for a great ride back to Takapuna Beach and the start of the second lap for those doing the long course. Once again the positions had not charged as Mike Walker and Paul Wilford paddled side by side but not increasing their lead over the other paddlers led by Simon McLarin as they made their way round Cable buoy and also # 1 channel maker. Once the two leaders turned the race was on back to the beach, making full use of the tailwind and waves to increase their lead over the following pack of Simon McLarin, Rob Nicol and Oskar Steilau. Mike Walker hit the beach first in a time of 1.14.44 to win the 2007 NZ Surf Ski title from Paul Wilford only 0.11 seconds behind.  The 2005 title holder Simon McLarin finished 3rd at 1.16.17.

Wayne Patterson from Tauranga added the 2007 to his 2005 Over 50 title in a time of 1.32.19 ahead of Paul Gillard 1.37.04.

James Scott had the misfortune to break his paddle shaft on the final leg back to Takapuna Beach but held on to claim 3rd and a Bronze medal in the open class.

In the 10km course Phil Brown was first to finish in 0:43:43 ahead of Andrew Czar 3:09 mins back in 0:46:52. Tracey Wilson was the first woman in 0.47.31 and junior Duncan Buchanan paddled well to finish in 6th in a time of 0:53:24.

Our thanks to Thermatech and Horleys for their support of the 2007 NZ LD Surf Ski Championships