More than 3000 competitors will take part in the Waka Ama National Sprint Championships at Lake Karāpiro later this week. The record for competitors was set.
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Horouta dominates waka ama sprints 25 Jan 2021 14:57 PM
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With the threat of coronavirus again in the community, waka ama fans are relieved they have been able to get through the sprint nationals.
Lara Collins from Waka Ama New Zealand says being able to have 3500 paddlers from 67 clubs on Lake Karāpiro, along with thousands of spectators, was a testament to the way New Zealand handled COVID.
Highlights included Ruamata Waka Ama Club from Rotorua winning the 1500 metres men’s race for the second year running, and the Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club’s open men’s team regaining its dominance in the 500 metres race with the addition of 18-year-old ace Kacey Ngataki to the stroke.
Press Release – Waka Ama NZ
Today we had an entire day of finals, the energy was high, and the paddlers were on form with both turns and straight races – there was something for everyone.
Pure OCC, of Rotorua retained their 1500m title from last year in the open men’s division.
Kaihoe o Ngāti Rehia Trust took out almost all the Gold Masters divisions, they will take 5 Gold Medals home to the Tai Tokerau today, all won by paddlers 60+ years old.
Kaiarahi toa – of Gisborne’s Horouta club – smashed the field once again in the 1500m and 500m dominating the open women’s division for another year! Their name is Te Reo for “Champions” and they have every right to the claim. They placed first in every race in heats, semis and finals in the W6 500m, W12 500m and even the W6 1500m divisions.