Open day raises profile of waka ama

A group sets off for a paddle as part of the Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club open day. Photo / George Novak

The prospect of ending up in the water raised a few eyebrows during a waka ama open day at the Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club yesterday.

"If it flips out, hang on to your paddle and hang on to the waka and I will show you how to get back in - simple," an instructor told the crowd with a grin.

No one ended up in the harbour but dozens spent the morning on it, dressed in lifejackets - just in case - and armed with paddles.

It was the first time on a waka for most, including 10-year-old Tauranga local Caleb Smith.

"I came down because it just looks cool," he said.

"I am just hoping I will be strong enough, but I will find out when I get out there."

Good "guns" helped, according to Alan Bardsley, who was at the open day with his granddaughter Elle.

"Being a bit fit and having biceps definitely helps," he said.

"But it's not that hard. It's a great sport for beginners."

Club president Lawrence Smith said the open day, which ran from 10am until 1pm, was a huge success.

"It was really all about giving people a taster," he said.

"We showed them the ropes on land first, how to paddle and the safety elements, then we just got out there on the harbour for a 15-minute trip.

"We had three crews by 10am and most people have signed up to come back - it's great."

Mr Smith said waka ama was a great way to get fit, but it was also a great social sport for the whole family.

"You build up your stamina the more you go out," he said.

"So you can start off as a beginner at a low level and before you know it you will be powering all the way out to Matakana Island and back.

"Yes, you could build up your fitness at a gym but when you live in such a beautiful place why not get out there and see everything Tauranga has to offer from the water?

"Our club is also a very social club. We all go out and then we head into the Tauranga Dive and Fishing Club for a good catch up.

"We have whole families that paddle," he said. "This is one of those sports that can work for all age groups."