On the Road again...Waves and WeetBix TRYathlon

In early April, we went in search of more thrilling adventures but this time back up North.  We drove on Friday night to Paihia and Waitangi in the Bay of Islands.  We arrived at our campsite after dark so we set up our tent with the help of the car headlights.

The kids slept well but every time we camp the adults find the ground harder and the thermarests thinner (wimps!).  I think we will consider "Glamping" next time which is the Kiwi word for glamour camping (with inflatable beds).

Saturday was spent surfing and boogie boarding in beautiful Taupo Bay, just North of Paihia.

When we first arrived the waves seemed ridiculously small and you could sense Rob's disappointment.  The guy at the surf shop had warned him to check the wave size (which he didn't).

But his smile returned when we saw 4 surfers off in the distance at the other end of the beach.  They were surfing the big waves!  Mom and the kids boogie boarded and Rob surfed.

Rob struggled to find his surfing groove.  Some of the locals were even jumping in to give him tips.  I think the score was 200:1 for the waves by lunchtime but he never stopped smiling.

The kid's Weet-bix TRYathalon was on Sunday in Waitangi.  The forecast was for rain but it only drizzled a bit and then the sunshine came out.  The swim was a 100-200m event in the ocean, followed by 4-8km of riding and 2km of running depending upon your age.  There were 1500 kids competing that day!

Lots to do in Transition: Socks/Shoes, Shirt, Helmet, Bike...

The kids were nervous in the beginning but were thrilled and proud of their accomplishment at the end.  Naysa said she wants to do another race again soon.

The Weet-Bix TRYathalon is a wonderfully organized event that promotes courage, commitment and exercise.  It has been running for 25 years now and many of the first participants are now parents and are on the sidelines cheering on their own children .  We are so impressed by the people of New Zealand.