To the 2013 IRF WRC Organising Committee, NZRA and all the many people involved

The IRF and all its paddlers and followers would like to extend a heart felt thank you to you all for putting on an awesome IRF 2013 Rafting World Championship.

We always knew a rafting world champs in New Zealand would be great – the place is such an iconic destination in the rafting world. What we did not know is how the New Zealand people would band together so wonderfully to make it all happen and that their open, friendly, keen-to-help and make-it-happen attitude would ensure it was such a pleasure for all who partook in the event.

Southy and his safety team and Tim’s “blue shirt” event crew The infamous and ever efficient “green shirts”

The beautiful waters and blue sky with lush green forests made a stunning back drop for the millions of photos of the highly competitive raft races which are now spreading around the world. Add to that – the exciting and visually spectacular white water, particularly the now even more famous Tutea Falls, has created a range of photos, videos and memories that will be enjoyed for many, many years to come.

Those who didn’t make it to the event will still have New Zealand firmly on their bucket list and those who did not see enough on this journey will all be back to enjoy the rest of your wonderful country.

A particular thank you must go to Raewyn Larcombe who doggedly pursued this dream, kept everything moving forward and made it a reality.

We hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did and that the legacy it leaves behind is a great boon for the region and most importantly, for the sport of rafting in New Zealand.

Thanks again

The IRF