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Download AudioIt was left to the women to haul in the golds for Aotearoa at the final day of the IVF World Sprint Championships in Hilo Bay, with teams from Tahiti and Hawaii dominating the men’s races.
Akarana – Pineula Hawaiki won the Junior 19 Women’s V6 500 title, and the last race of the eight day regatta, the Open Women – V6 500, was an all-New Zealand affair, with Horouta – Kaiarahi Toa, Haeata Ocean Sports – Mj’s and Akarana – Pineula Tavake taking the three podium places.
Coach and competitor James Papali’i says having Tahiti back in the competition after a Covid-induced absence in London gives a more true picture of the state of waka ama.
“Tahiti’s turned up in force. They want to come and be the world champs again. I’m really proud of Aotearoa and all our achievements, all our grades, our junior 19s, our women, our maasters, our golden masters, right through we’re gertting golds and making progress. Tahiti is just a level ahead of us at the moment,” he says.
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