On Friday 28th of February a large swarm of paddlers once again descended on the small town of Murchison, located on the banks of the Buller River in the central upper South Island, ready for New Zealand’s largest kayaking festival  – Bullerfest to kick off.  Bullerfest is a multi-event weekend, but it is the Boater X on the Matakitaki river on Day 1 that serves as the grand finale for the NZ Extreme Race series.

Going into the event it was Joe Morley (GBR) who led the series narrowly from Gerd Serrasolses (ESP), but several of the top paddlers still had the opportunity to take top honours and claim the NZ Extreme Racing title, nothing was decided, it was anyone’s game. In the Womens Louise Jull was cruising her victory lap, already having won the first 3 races and taking out the National series with her Citroen race win the previous week.

Joe Morley the current Adidas Sickline Extreme World Kayak Champion became the 1st Northern Hemisphere paddler to win the prestige’s Wairoa Extreme race and take the 4 race series win. Joe beat the reigning champion in the final and now adds his name alongside some legendary white water kayaking names on the 2014 trophy.

Since arriving in New Zealand in October 2013, Joe has run some of the worlds toughest gorges and raced on both North & South Islands.

Joe arrives back in the UK in mid May and is hoping to be heading off to America to race in the Payette River Games in June. Then its back to Norway & Europe to race and defend his Adidas Sickline World title.

For more information, results and photos click here.