Hard going at weekend woodchop

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The long weekend of 4-6 February saw a three-day chopping carnival take place at Nelson Creek on the West Coast. It was a big event with 40 open class choppers taking part and it was tough enough just to make a final, let alone getting a placing. The wood was radiata pine for the first half of the programme then gum for the second half, so every race was hard work. There were four open class chops being competed for each day including two of the most prestigious open chops in New Zealand, the Bill Liddell Standing and the Darcey Seymour Underhand as well as a Coast Buller Underhand each day. The Golden Bay choppers team was made up by Brian Godsiff, Rachael Nalder, and Dave and Serena Gowland, ably supported by the cheerleading of Linde Kynast.

Brian chopped outstandingly well over the three days making nine of the 12 possible open finals, including the Bill Liddell Standing. There was only one other axeman who exceeded that amount of finals appearances over the course of the weekend. However, Brian could only convert one of those chances into a placing, finishing 3rd in the Coast Buller 300mm on day two.

Brian’s consistently high standard of chopping was the polar opposite to Dave’s, who on day one was bursting with lethargy and failed to even threaten a finals appearance. On day two, however, he made the Coast Buller 300mm Underhand final, finishing in 2nd place. On day three Dave once again made the Coast Buller final, placing 4th, then he made the 325mm Standing final and finished 3rd.

The women’s competition consisted of two 300mm underhand races each day. Serena chopped brilliantly and her recent tough training regime paid off as she battled for first place against the impressive Emma Riddell from Nelson, in all six races managing to beat her twice, once on day one and again on day three, to finish with two wins and four 2nd placings.

Rachael seemed to be continually competing against her sister Lou for third place and it turned out to be a very even race with Rachael finishing with three 3rd and three 4th placings. This is quite remarkable as it’s the first event Rachael has competed in for about 18 months.

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Sharyn is a rural girl from Southland, being brought up surrounded by agriculture. She knew that she would never have a 9-5 job, sitting behind a desk for the rest of her life. After studying at Lincoln University, Sharyn went on to work in the agriculture industry for over 30 years, and in particular The New Zealand Merino Company. Sharyn specializes in Lifestyle and Rural properties in the top of the South region, a career move she wonders why she didn’t make earlier.

If your considering selling your Lifestyle or Rural property, call her today.

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Superb waka ama conditions and spectacular scenery welcomed Golden Bay paddlers to Lake Rotoiti for the Tuna Te Hoe annual races organised by Matahi (Nelson Club) last Saturday.

Onetahua Waka Ama Club significantly fielded two men’s teams in the larger six-person waka. It is a testing race, starting with a sprint, 7.5km race followed quickly by 5km against a strong field.

In the OC2 (two-person) class Selwyn Farr, club president, and Rory Jelf took first place with a very strong performance.

The Onetahua crew were joined by students from Golden Bay High School under the direction of Eric Lander, who has trained and motivated students Lyla, Maren, Zeb, Tristen and Archie to a point where they can compete. Tamariki waka is the fastest growing area in the sport and adds a great deal to these events. The support Golden Bay High School provides is appreciated.

Onetahua Waka Ama Club is looking forward to the Picton long distance race, winter series, as well as weekly social and training sessions. Waka ama is open to everyone, come join in if you feel it’s for you.

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