News | Ian Ferguson Cup 2017

Off to the Races!

Racing head-to-head down a raging river was once in the realm of seasoned athletes only.

But now that white water rafting has come to the city, the Ian Ferguson Cup corporate pro-am rafting event is the perfect opportunity for a challenging team-building day out of the office.

The Ian Ferguson Cup 2017 is part of the week-long international Whitewater XL canoe slalom event at Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Manukau from November 18-26.

Teams of six will compete against other New Zealand businesses in this fun-filled corporate event including a plunge over the 4.5m Pump Waterfall, followed by a sprint time-trial and a head-to-head race.

The event will conclude with a prize-giving and ‘Bavarian Bash’ – the victorious team will be able to drink from the Ian Ferguson Cup!

Thirty teams competed in the inaugural event last year and Whitewater XL director John Snook hopes that will increase to 50 this year.

“We try to make it a fun day. There’s a competitive angle to it, of course, but it’s unique in that instead of your usual raft guides you get some of the world’s best paddlers. Because it’s on the same week as the Whitewater XL international competition, each team is assigned an Olympic or World champion in their raft.”

Among the champions teams may be paired up with are New Zealand Olympians Luuka Jones and Mike Dawson, three-time World champion extreme kayaker Sam Sutton and a host of European canoe slalom champions.

“It’s a nice mix of team-building and networking across the broader corporate scene, and just having a great day out that beats the Christmas rush. It’s selling out fast so if people are interested they need to contact me as soon as possible,” says John.

Entry costs $2500 plus GST per team of six, including an afternoon of rafting, food, drinks and entertainment.

The Ian Ferguson Cup kicks off at 2pm on Wednesday, November 22. For more information and to book contact John Snook, 021 933 137, email john@actiongroup.net.nz or click here.