In just two days' time, Takapuna Beach will be packed with people from around the country and overseas for the 9th Takapuna Beach Cup event.
Teams from all over the country have registered for the three-day event, which is expected to be the biggest it's ever been this year.
Sugar Te Paa is one of the event organisers and says there's a reason this long-distance race is the biggest in NZ. He believes with the event now introducing the inclusion of novices and children is very important.
The Takapuna Beach Cup event will start on Friday with a 7km outrigger canoe six-man warm-up race.