Where most people see an overflowing river, four Blenheim lads saw an opportunity.

The group of mates decided to make the most of the flooded Taylor River in Blenheim yesterday afternoon by wakeboarding along the waterway.

The boys used a purpose-built motorised winch with 200 metres of rope to pull each other along the pop-up playground from their ute parked off Nelson St.

Michael Parkes, Chris Watson, Josh Tautari and Corey Craig caused quite a stir as crowds of people stopped to watch their show of tricks.

Michael said it was a bit different being able to slide across one of the riverbank picnic tables, although it was pretty cold.

Winch wakeboarding was the latest craze to hit the sport and popular in big cities, Chris said.

Good spots in Blenheim were few and far between, he said.

"We have to make the most of the flooding," he said.

Blenheim police called an end to the fun, saying gathering onlookers were causing a hazard, Chris said.

"They pulled up and told us to clear out in two minutes but I said I had to bring him [Michael] in," he said.

"A few people had asked what we were doing and if they could take pictures."

The four friends were planning to scour Blenheim for further flood sites where they could improvise.

"We were at the amphitheatre before but it was flowing a bit fast. This was probably the best spot so it's back to the drawing board," Chris said.

Police were not immediately available for comment.

- The Marlborough Express

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