North paddlers claim medals
Far North paddlers and clubs claimed a share of the medals at the Auckland Long Distance Waka Ama Nationals 2019 on the shores of Okahu Bay over Easter weekend.
Particularly impressive were Team Ake Ake, who caused an upset against some of the big names by winning gold in the senior masters (50+) mixed event, completing the 25km course in 2 hours 4 minutes 57 seconds.
The result was notable considering the majority of the team were novice paddlers, including two ladies taking part in their first long-distance competition.
Five of the team hailed from the Kerikeri-based Kaihoe o Ngati Rehia Trust, while the veteran steerer came from a Whangarei club. A spokesperson noted the winning time would have earned the team a silver in the younger masters, or bronze in the open division.
Other highlights for the Ngati Rehia club included surgeon Franz Reiger winning gold in the senior master men’s W1 (singles) in his first try at singles, also regarded as another big upset, and Team Manuwai — featuring club captain Danny Kiawe — paddling to silver in the golden master men’s division.
Among the other Far North paddlers enjoying success were Tupu King with gold in the W1 open event (although line honours were taken by a Tahitian) while his father David paddled to bronze in the golden masters men’s W1 race.
Other Northland clubs competing under the Tai Tokeraui Polynesian Canoe Club banner included Parihaka and Mitamitaga. The Team Akeake spokesperson noted the Far North medal count was even more remarkable considering the local contingent was competing against the sport’s powerhouse clubs, mostly Auckland-based like Taniwha (Takapuna), Akarana (Northcote) and Vaka Manu (Manukau).
A staggering number of over 1000 competitors representing 57 clubs saw Waitemata¯ harbour brimming with waka over the two-day nationals. Paddlers were welcomed with a powhiri on Thursday evening, while Good Friday saw racing in W1 over 12km or 16km distances, with Saturday set aside for W6 teams competing over 24km for adults, 12 to 16km for juniors and 12km for para aka adaptive racing.
Those winning titles in W1 (individual) and W6 (six person teams) in the J19, master 40s, 50s, 60, 70s divisions have qualified to represent Aotearoa at the IVF Va’a World Distance Championships in Mooloolaba, Australia this August. Team Ake Ake, however, were disappointed at being unable to compete at the event; their division is not being contested.