With warmer weather and summer fast approaching,  paddlers and rafters from across the Bay of Plenty are expected to take on the Tarawera river this weekend ahead of the World Rafting Champs in 2013.

Events begin on Saturday [24 November 2012] with  the Bay of Plenty Canoe Slalom Race  day in the first official regional race of the  2013 summer season.

Kawerau District Council Events Coordinator Lee Barton says this weekend  will essentially be an opportunity for the Bay of Plenty slalom paddlers to
dust off the gear  and winter blues.

"This weekend will also give paddlers the chance to make full use of the warmer weather in preparation for the  Selection Races in Kawerau in January next year, as well as the opportunity  for officials and volunteers to test out the new state of the art timing equipment that was installed this year on the Tarawera River."

On Sunday an opportunity for 'social rafters'' to take on the Rapids of the Tarawera River in the popular Seriously Social Rafting Competition.

The competition open to all keen and interested rafters of all ability's is a chance to experience the rapids on the Tarwaera River in a competitive but friendly raft race.

Teams of 6 will get a minimum of four runs and compete to take out the major prize of  a Kaituna Rafting Trip as well as the many spot prizes up for grabs.

"The competition offers a genuine taster to what it is like  negotiating the Grade 2 rapids to be used during the 2013 World Rafting Champs" Mr Barton says.

"The weather is expected to be fine, and the river is looking good for the weekend so  we encourage you to come and be apart of the action in Kawerau this weekend."

For more information visit  www.kaweraudc.govt.nz/newsandevents

Program for Saturday

• 10.30 Race briefing and judges meet
• 11.00 Demonstration runs
• 11.15 Practice run for novices – 1 run only
• 12.00 1st run – main race
• 13.00 1st run – novice race
• 13.30 Lunch 
• 14.00 2nd run – main race
• 15.00 2nd run – novice race