Skaters enjoy the free skating on the Maniototo Ice Rink at
Naseby during the ice festival on Saturday. Photo by Rosie
Manins.
Free curling, ice skating, and natural luge lessons made
Naseby the place to be during the weekend.
An ice festival was held in the Maniototo township on
Saturday, and people attending were free to enjoy ice
skating, indoor curling, and the chance of trying out an
outdoor natural ice luge for the first time.
Sunshine made for a festive atmosphere despite cool
temperatures, and people of all ages, shapes, and abilities
made the most of activities on offer.
New Zealand Olympic Luge Association president Geoff Balme
said up to 100 people took to Naseby's natural ice luge,
which was shortened to a length of 180m for the benefit of
beginners.
Mr Balme and visiting Canadian luge professional Greg Jones
made sure amateurs were given coaching tips before descending
the ice.
While many made unplanned contact with the luge's wooden
sides, all sported smiles at the finish line.
Indoor curling also proved popular, with the Maniototo
International Curling Rink staff busy throughout the weekend.
Rink development officer Nelson Ede yesterday said numbers
through the door had yet to be determined, although the
general feeling was good.
"There was tremendous response and everything went really
well.
This is the first year we've really been able to hold the
festival, as last year we tried, but didn't have enough ice
for the luge," he said.
Mr Ede said Sunday afternoon was noticeably quieter as people
returned home during the last few hours of the school
holidays.
Despite that, several large groups had booked the curling
rink, making for a busy weekend.
A new refrigeration system underneath the outdoor Maniototo
Ice Rink ensured ice skating was also at its best for the
visitors to Naseby.
Those happy to just watch rather than try their luck on the
ice were treated to the New Zealand luge championships
yesterday, when about 30 competitors vied for the fastest
time down the track.
Between 10am and midday luge riders were given a few
attempts, after which a prizegiving was held.
rosie.manins@odt.co.nz
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.