CITROEN RACE, KAWARAU RIVER, CENTRAL OTAGO, NEW ZEALAND, MARCH 2024
On March 9th, 2024 the New Zealand kayaking community came together for the Citroen Extreme Race, organized by Harry Hasselman,Tyler Russell, and Max Rayner. The Citroen Extreme Race takes place annually on the Kawarau River, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand. The “Citroen” is a 300 m-long high-volume rapid that takes its name from a Citroen-sized boulder. This year, the organizers decided on running only a simple boatercross.Three kayakers in each heat, the top two go through and repeat until the final three have been determined. The race course starts with the infamous starting ramp with just enough space for three racers. A ten-second warning, then “GO!” After the first 20 m, all racers must go left of the central rock, riding up the buffer that wants to push you hard left into the wall and into the pocket that has given legendary beatdowns. Here racers had no idea where anyone was, but sights of racers going over and under each other could be seen all day. The sprint to the touch banner reguires dodging ledges, waves, and laterals. A truly rowdy course! After many intense heats, the final racers were: Pierce Huser, Laura Hofberger, Nick Bennett, and George Snook. A world-class lineup that brought everyone to their feet. All had a chance to be on top, but young Prince George showed off his racing pedigree and came out as champion. Nick Bennett claimed second, Pierce Huser fourth, and Laura fourth. Prizegiving included classic games, such as “Who Can Do the Longest Headstand?” for spot prizes (Manu’s dad won!) The Bush DooF that night was set on the banks of the Kawarau Gorge with a perfect sunset shining down the river.The fire was lit, fairy lights were on, and the bass was pumping! At 3 am the fire department and police came down only because of a noise complaint and the generator. Let’s just say the police were actually impressed with the setup. The next morning a memorial float down the river commenced in honor of Jeremy Norbury, allowing friends to remember a dear friend who was so integral to the NZ Whitewater scene.
Words: Benjy Rowlands | Photography: Josh Scarlett
BULLER FESTIVAL, MURCHISON, NEW ZEALAND, MARCH, 2024
Buller Festival (Bullerfest) is a three-day Whitewater kayaking festival held annually in Murchison, New Zealand. For 30 years, Bullerfest has
