Source: Waikato Times
By AARON LEAMAN - Waikato Times | Thursday, 17 January 2008
Picture: MARK TAYLOR/Waikato Times

Respect for the river and the waka are the first things instructor Whakawhiti Simon teaches new waka ama paddlers.

"It's important that you start off by teaching children about their culture and about the river," he said.

Mr Simon, a junior development officer at Turangawaewae Waka Sports, was at Lake Karapiro yesterday for the start of the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals.

It was the first time Turangawaewae, sporting blue and gold colours, had entered the annual event as a club. They were represented by 12 junior teams, four senior crews and two single paddlers.

Yesterday marked a successful start for Turangawaewae one of four Waikato clubs at the championships with three midget crews making the semifinals.

Waka ama members Kahurangi Kihi-Simon, 10, Cheyenne Grey, 12, and Ruki Simon, 14, agreed that more than three months of rigorous training had been worth it. Their build-up had included attending waka ama regattas in Whakatane and Rotorua in November.

"It's `mean' being able to wear Turangawaewae colours and to represent our community," Cheyenne said.

Midget crew manager Tuhi Kihi said support from parents and the Ngaruawahia community had been overwhelming.

The five-day event is expected to attract 2500 competitors from 45 clubs nationwide. More than 5000 spectators were estimated to be lake-side yesterday

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