I was one of the guys that took up the open invite to go over and the kiwis were so awesome. We were complete strangers and got picked up at the airport, given awesome accommodation (a car to use), lent boards, taken out for dinner every night and just all round so well looked after.
Everyone made an effort to come up and welcome us and say hi and it was such a good time. (DC showed them how to drink and talk in return)

The event was really well organised and they have some gun paddlers to boot. It would be such a shame if we couldn't return the favour and get them over to our nationals. The sport needs the growth this type of attitude creates and we can learn a thing or 2 from the amazing racing series the kiwis have in place and the media attention it gets. With SUP travel being so difficult the idea of lending boards trans-tasman is awesome too.
We floated the idea of a annual "battle of the ditch" each year too to get some Bledisloe-style rivalry happening too and everyone was super keen.

Despite losing some top prizes (not national placings) the kiwis did this for the good of the sport - so get that Aussie rule book out and change it if it's needed. Make sure we have some spare boards around. And give a kiwi place to stay if he needs it!

- Mark