MC Tali mentioned in Taranaki Daily News, NZ

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Winchfest hopes to pull in the crowds

New Zealand's newest summer festival is shaping up to be something special and Taranaki residents will only have to step out their back door to experience it.

Winchfest 2012 will take place on Oakura farmland on January 28-29, showcasing top wakeboarders as they compete at the region's only winch park.

The park is designed to pull riders over ramps and rails using a 6.5hp engine, a tyre rim and a length of ski rope.

In conventional wakeboarding a boat is used.

"When you turn the engine on, the rope starts to wind around the rim, pulling you along the pond at the same time," park creator Muzz Symons said.

Complementing on-water action at the festival will be live music and DJs.

Winchfest organiser Jane Symons said she had been overwhelmed with the interest in the event.

"The teams at NZ Wake Park, MIA Wakeboarding and Jet Pilot are all coming and we've got professional rider Brad Smeele coming to ride and MC the winch competition.

"We've also had interest from British and Australian riders who are keen to come and compete as well," she said.

The event has attracted award- winning drum 'n' bass act, MC Tali, who will host on the Saturday.

New Zealand bands Concord Dawn, Katchafire and Cornerstone Roots will also play.

"We've got The Red Eyes from Melbourne who are currently touring Australia with Salmonella Dub, and Tijuana Cartel coming, who are both class acts," Miss Symons said.

Food stalls, graffiti walls, a swimming hole and other sporting demonstrations will add to festival-goers experience.

Saturday will be an R18 day and Sunday would be open for all ages.

"We hope to create a relaxed, Kiwi summer vibe suitable for families on the Sunday," she said.

Organisers have also come up with a tent city where 50 pre- erected tents with air mattresses will be available for hire over the weekend.

"One of our ambitions is to increase the profile of wakeboarding in the region and this is a great opportunity for people to experience world-class wakeboarding up close," Miss Symons said.

The website for the festival is winchfest.co.nz.

z Hannah Fleming is a Witt journalism student.