Long race across world for golden waka ama crew

Moeawa Fransen James Papali'i | Waka Ama New Zealand Paddler

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Some of Aotearoa’s most experienced waka ama paddlers are heading to the World Club Sprint Championships in the United Kingdom next month.

Tokomatua includes Danny Kaiwe from Kerikeri’s Ngāti Rehia club, Dave King from Ngā Hoe Horo in Kaitaia, Tony Noel and Phil Ash from Taniwha in Takapuna, Sam Walters from Tāmaki Outrigger Club, Leon Williams from Wakatipu and James Papali’i from the Manukau Outrigger Canoeing Club.

They’ll represent Aotearoa on Lake Dorney in Buckinghamshire in the golden master’s section for 60 to 70-year-olds.

Papali’i says he’s excited to be paddling alongside people he has been on a journey with since the sport started here more than 30 years ago.

“We were all coming up at the same time so we have been competitive through open, masters, senior masters and now golden masters so no one wants to give up, it’s a long-term race,” he says.

About 200 kaihoe are making the journey across the world to represent Aotearoa this year.

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