Ocean challenges waka ama crews

The Omaha Outrigger Canoe Club hosted its second annual waka ama ocean challenge last month with teams entering from Kaitaia to Auckland.

In total, 19 waka entered the mixed races where teams were made up of equal numbers of men and women. Races were held for W2 (two-person waka), and W6 (six-person waka) racing in either an open division or the senior masters division. A number of single W1 waka also joined in on the day. The waka races over an 18 km course at Omaha, three km further than last year.

Although the day dawned cloudy and calm, as the race got under way a sou-easterly strengthened creating a chop running across the course which continued to build, threatening the stability of the waka and providing a serious challenge for the paddlers.

Results:
Senior Masters – Wahine Grizzlies (Taniwha Club, Auckland) 1, Ngapuhi (Mitimitaga Club, Tutukaka) 2, Omaha 09ers (Omaha Club) 3. Open – Team Phoenix (Akarana Club, Auckland) 1, Tutukaka Surf (Mitimitaga Club, Tutukaka) 2, Nga Hoe Kaipara (Nga hoe Kaipara Club, Pahi) 3.

The event was followed by a meal and prize-giving. Organisers thanked sponsors including Aztec Wellsford – A & K E Segetin, T & A Caterers & T & A Towing, Waioma Resthome, Hancocks Wines, Totalspan, Als Roast Snells Beach, Snells Beach Dive & Fishing, McEntee Hire, Viennza & Co Hairworkz, Snells Beach Super Liquor, Options Bar & Cafe, Warkworth Bakehouse, Roberts Bakery and Salty Dog Inn.

Nga hoe Kaipara (foreground) battle Tutukaka Surf during the open division race.