Racing started early and we had an action packed day concluding with the medal ceremony for the Juniors.

For those of you new to Waka Ama, Junior Teams can race in several divisions, Midget (7-10 year olds), Intermediate (11-13 years) and Junior 16 (14-16 years) and Junior 19 (17-19 years).

The events are held over 500m and 1000m.

With one of the biggest spectator crowds at this event ever, the crews were amped and ready to go.

Congratulations to the Champions for 2008

Midget Men
W6 250 - Kurawaka Boys Te Toki Voyaging Trust
W6 500 - Kurawaka Boys Te Toki Voyaging Trust
WT12 500 - Yeah Boy Mareikura

Midget Women
W6 250 - Bubbalicious Mareikura
W6 500 - Bubbalicious Mareikura
WT12 500 - Kaboosh Mareikura

Intermediate Men
W6 500 - Dirty Dogs Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.
W6 1000 - Dirty Dogs Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.
WT12 500 - Dirty Dogs Maia Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.

Intermediate Women
W6 500 - Hinepukohurangi Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.
W6 1000 - Te Rangitopeora TOA Waka Ama Club
WT12 500 - Hinepukohurangi Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.

J16 Men
W6 1000 - Te Wherowhero Mareikura
W6 500 - Kaituna 1 Te Toki Voyaging Trust
WT12 500 - Kaituna/team Ah Soy Te Toki Voyaging Trust

J16 Women
W6 1000 - Hinerupe Maidens Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.
W6 500 - Hinerupe Maidens Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.
WT12 500 - Hinerupe Maidens Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.

J19 Men
W6 500 - OCC Encore Te Au Rere Waka Ama Club
W6 1000 - OCC Encore Te Au Rere Waka Ama Club
WT12 500 - Turn it Up Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.

J19 Women
W6 500 - Hinerupe Maidens Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.
W6 1000 - Hinerupe Maidens Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.
WT12 500 - Hinerupe Maidens Horouta Waka Hoe Club Inc.

Full results and photo gallery below...