Ohakea Raft Race 2008

Avionics get some assistance from F/S Graeme Hughes. OH-08-0047-01-tn.jpg.

The Raft Race was held in perfect conditions at Dudding’s Lake in Bulls on Wednesday 30 January 2008.

Nine teams of about 10 people each fronted up to the race and put their ingenuity to the test by constructing a vessel out of a few tyres, wooden planks, and a handful of rope.

The race consisted of two timed laps where five members from each team would race at a time. Both laps were then added together to deliver the overall winner. The race started with a sprint to the water’s edge where it was crucial for teams to have an efficient transition onto their raft. Both Supply and Avionics were first to the water, but it was Air Security that snuck up from the rear into the leading position in the first lap.

The raft race begins. OH-08-0046-16-tn.jpg.

Air Security managed to get a good lead on Supply, but Supply’s outstanding teamwork and their powerful outboard motor, AC Brent Roney, were able to put that little bit extra in to grab both their bonus points, knocking 3 minutes off their time keeping them within reach of Air Security with only 10 seconds between them.

At the other end of the scale S&S and GSE Mechanics had a few technical difficulties, as they grafted to finish the first lap. Mr Pauly Martin seemed to take charge of the construction of the S&S raft with his freestyle approach. This may have been a big mistake as the vessel didn’t appear to be very streamlined making it difficult for the team to gain any momentum.

Air Security off to a strong start in the first lap.
OH-08-0046-29-tn.jpg.

The GSE Mech’s demise was probably due to the puncture that occurred in one of their tubes combined with LAC Troy Aschebrok eating for three at lunch prior to the race causing their raft to resemble a submarine.

The second lap was much the same as the first but it was DAC in the lead followed closely by none other then Supply. Due to Supply’s consistent effort they were able to gain the fastest overall time for the race and thus the victory.

The event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all involved. If it wasn’t for the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of all the participants involved the Raft Race wouldn’t have been such a great success.

The 2008 Raft Race Champions (Supply) in great form. OH-08-0046-31-tn.jpg.

Team Admin fight to stay on. Nice facial from LAC Natasha Sharp! OH-08-0046-92-tn.jpg.

Image Gallery - Issue 90