Wednesday, 16 January 2008
Source The Gisborne Herald
Picture by Paul Rickard
By Sophie Rishworth

This week hundreds from Gisborne are lining the banks of Lake Karapiro, and paddling in it, as the 2008 national waka ama sprint champs get under way.

Racing starts at 7.30 every morning and the banks are already covered with people.

Waka Ama is fast becoming the sport representing the many different backgrounds that make up New Zealand and bringing them all together in a fun, healthy way with a strong focus on rangatahi (youth).

"We're passionate about this sport because we see the good it does for our children," says Horouta under-13s coach Irene Takao.

"We're proud of our children," she said.

Mareikura club president Moana Houkamau echoed the same sentiments.

"Between Horouta and ourselves we would have the top rangatahi in New Zealand," she said.

"It's not so much the destination but the journey, they have been training three times a day during the holidays and while winning is important it is the health, fitness and nutrition side of things that is good for the region's rangatahi," she said.

Gisborne is lucky, both clubs say, with the easy access they have to the river.

"We've done all the hard work here, as a region I am sure we will do very well."

Last year Horouta Waka Hoe brought home 18 gold medals, 12 silver and seven bronze. Mareikura Canoe Club won 14 gold, 3 silver and 11 bronze, and Turanga Ararau Waka Hoe won 3 silver and 1 bronze.

Maintaining their top spot was going to be on all of their minds as they raced waka clubs from around the country.

"Winning isn't everything, but we don't like to lose," said Mrs Houkamau.

After the nationals the Gisborne teams will be back on the rivers training for the world sprints in California in August 2008.

www.gisborneherald.co.nz