Two international teams entered in the Godzone adventure race near Wanaka put their rivalry aside for a friendly multinational paddle on the Clutha River yesterday.
World No 1-ranked Brazilian-Spanish team Columbia Vidaraid and United Kingdom team Lakes Multisport linked up at Albert Town to test the kayaking equipment they will be using during the Godzone race, which starts on Saturday.
''It will be interesting for us to see how a world No 1 team get on with the river ... we're out here to learn off people,'' Lakes Multisport captain Anthony Emmet, of England's Lake District, said before the paddle.
It will be the first time competing in the Godzone event for the teams, which are both still waiting on their fourth members to arrive in Wanaka.
Vidaraid team member Marco Amselem, of Brazil, said the cost of competing in Godzone had proven prohibitive in the past, but an invitation from the event's organisers to compete this year with entry fees and accommodation included was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Competing against the world's best adventure racing teams in New Zealand's scenic back country was particularly enticing for him and team-mates Barbara Bomfim, also of Brazil, and Urtzi Iglesias (captain) and Jon Ander Arambalza, both of Spain.
''I think it's a common sense that New Zealand's one of the most beautiful places in the world and we'll get to know the country in a way that not every people can.''
Three-time defending champion Seagate, of New Zealand, would present the greatest challenge to Vidaraid, Amselem said.
''They are the current world champions and they are in their own place, their home, so they will definitely be the biggest competition.''
Emmet said Godzone was renowned internationally for having ''everything'' an adventure race should offer.
''It's got a world-class race director who uses world-class advisers and you've got a world-class environment for having fun in the outdoors. And to actually add to that you've got a world class philosophy on risk.
''Here there's less red tape and people are able to take some risks which is why we sort of do this ... we enjoy the adventure.''
Emmet and team-mates Alex Pilkington, also of England, Jo Thom, of Scotland, and New Zealand ring-in Seamus Meikle, of Greymouth, were realistic about their chances.
''We can't come to the Kiwis' back garden and take the Kiwis down without having a really good race and we're not planning to be on the podium.''
Race director Warren Bates said there was a great mix of nationalities competing this year which helped grow the sport and the Godzone profile internationally.
The location and course details are kept under wraps until a couple of hours before the race start on Saturday morning.
''The element of surprise in where the teams will travel is very much an important part of the journey and one we think adds an element of intensity to this adventure,'' Bates said.
