Rivers around the South Island will be home to the world’s best river racers this week.
The World Jet Boat Marathon starts today on the Dart River.
The marathon is a week-long event, with races held across several South Island rivers.
River Racing New Zealand spokesman Paul Mullan said the event was the height of river racing worldwide.
"The world marathon is effectively the pinnacle of river racing."
Every year, one country’s national championships become the world marathon, with hosting rights rotated between the United States, Mexico, Canada and New Zealand.
Mr Mullan said New Zealand’s rivers required more skill to navigate quickly.
"You need a lot more skill ... you’ve got to know how to drive.
"Most of the overseas guys would consider this as the holy grail of river boat racing."
He said New Zealand racers tended to be able to read the conditions of a river better, as they were used to New Zealand’s fast changing rivers rather than North America’s wide rivers.
"It is a real endurance test of both the boat and the drivers."
He still had to finish putting the final touches on it before the competition started today.
He spent a lot of time on rivers similar to New Zealand’s in preparation.
"You’re just spending time on the water trying to get your decisions to become a reflex."
Whiteside said river racing was a rewarding sport and created a "very tight-knit" community.
"There’s not many people that can do it and not many people that would put themselves through it."
He had competed against fellow racers all around the world, and made many close friends through the sport.
Defending New Zealand champion Roger Preston agreed, and said there was a strong sense of camaraderie between racers.
"If somebody needs something, someone will put a hand up to help them out, to keep the boats going," he said.
The most important thing was everybody coming home safely, Preston said.
The marathon will finish on the Waimakariri River on Sunday.
ruby.shaw@odt.co.nz , Cadet reporter
