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Organisers of next week’s 25th ActivePost National Waka Ama Sprint Championships on Lake Karapiro are preparing for a record turn-out of paddlers.
Waka Ama New Zealand chief executive Lara Collins says 1461 crews from 54 clubs have signed up, totaling more than 2,800 paddlers in 10 age divisions.
“What’s great is that we’re seeing more kids of all ages giving waka ama racing a go,” Ms Collins says.
She expects more than 10,000 people will the banks to cheer the crews during the event, which runs from January 13 to 18.
In waka ama, paddlers work together as a team over distances including 500m, 1500m and marathon races of 30 -75 km. The ama or outrigger on the left-hand side balances the, helping it to speed through the water.
Clubs will compete for national honours in one, six and 12 paddler teams over distances of 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 metres.
For paddlers competing in the W1 500 metre class, the regatta will serve as a qualification for the World Sprint Championships held in Rio de Janiero in August.
Ms Collins says waka ama has become the fastest-growing sport in New Zealand, with 85 clubs around the country.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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