New Zealand’s top river racers arrive on the Waimakariri carrying form, rivalry and genuine momentum from recent wins.
The Waimakariri River will roar back to life this weekend as the Golden Homes Waimakariri River Race Weekend brings New Zealand’s fastest river racers together for one of the most spectator friendly events on the calendar. The original Marathon was cancelled earlier in the season, yet the sport moved quickly. A full replacement weekend was confirmed, keeping the Waimak in its rightful spot as a cornerstone of the South Island racing season.
Recent results across Southland and Waitaki add an extra spark to this year’s entry list. In Southland, Roger Preston dominated the Twin Rivers event, taking overall honours with eight remarkably consistent legs that reinforced why he remains one of the class acts in Unlimited boats. Ben Baxter pushed hard for second, while Adam Wilton finished third in class after a tough set of upstream legs. In Waitaki, Roger Preston struggled in the first race, placing him in fourth overall behind Richard Foster, Andrew Scott, and Byron Campbell. That result places real interest on the Campbell family’s return to competitive form as they line up again this weekend.
In CX Class, the story across both recent races belongs to Adam Wilton, who delivered a polished win in Southland, finishing more than ten minutes clear of his nearest rival on overall time. He backed that up days later with another victory at the Waitaki River Race, topping all three legs with controlled, efficient driving that showed absolute command of the course. Close behind is Justin Hill, runner up at Waitaki and fourth in Southland, and Damian Pulley, consistent across both weekends. These performances set up a genuine three-way battle when the CX fleet hits the Waimak.
FX-Evo also brings momentum into the weekend. Aidan Flett continues to sharpen his craft with a win at Waitaki and a strong Southland showing, taking class honours over eight legs of demanding river racing. His tidy, disciplined style suits the upper Waimakariri, especially through the narrow braids where clean lines matter most. Regan Howley, who pushed hard in both races despite mechanical and time setbacks, will be looking to close the gap.
The Waimakariri itself adds another dimension. The braided lower reaches demand precision, while the run to the Gorge Bridge rewards confidence and local knowledge. Spectators will again be able to watch the action close up from the SH1 Bridge area, with Saturday’s Circuit Race from 11.30am offering fast laps and tight class battles. The Kiwi Waders crew will fire up a free BBQ for racers, officials and supporters, adding to the atmosphere.
Sunday’s Stuart Blanchard Memorial Race carries significance for many competitors. The upstream leg starts at 10am from the SH1 Ramp, followed by the downstream return run at 1pm. With two minute intervals between classes, the field will be stretched early, yet close racing always develops as the river narrows.
Strong entries, sharp recent form and meaningful rivalry all point to a compelling weekend. For rising talents and hardened veterans alike, the Waimakariri River Race Weekend feels like a showdown arriving at exactly the right time.
