Local high schools to compete in Waka Ama Champs

ActivePost Waka Ama Sprint Nationals. Photo/supplied

Local high schools will compete in this years ActivePost National Secondary School Waka Ama Championships, one of the largest secondary school sports events held in the country - second to Maadi Cup.

More than 1,450 paddlers from 97 schools will compete for the Waka Ama national title, including teams from Tauranga Boys' College, Tauranga Girls' College, Te Puke High School and Te Wharekura o Mauao.

Schools will battle it out on the water for national honours in one, six and twelve paddler teams racing over distances of 250 and 500 metres.

Event organisers are expecting a bumper turnout with more that 1,000 spectators, Chief Executive of Waka Ama New Zealand Lara Collins said in a statement.

"Each year, the Waka Ama fan base keeps growing. What's especially pleasing is how the sport is becoming a popular option in schools for kids from all over the country and the Pasific."

Now into its 14th year, the championships will be held over four days next week from March 24 - 27 at Rotorua's Blue Lake.