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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.
"Kaiārahi Toa from Horouta Waka Hoe women dominated again, winning all of their heats, all of their semis, all of their finals, taking home all the medals in the open women's category yet again. They are a real force to be reckoned with," she says.
Gisborne’s Horouta Waka Hoe took the club points trophy for the 10th time with a massive 277.5 points, 53.5 ahead of Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club.
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