Marcus Hansen hopes training on pulsating down wind runs along Tutukaka coast and kilometres on the quieter waters of Whangarei Harbour will be the fitness foundation needed for a string of top performances on the international stand up paddle boarding circuit this year. The 24-year-old Whangarei man’s paddling career was given a huge boost late last year with international board makers NSP sponsoring the relative newcomer to the sport to compete overseas.