Waka ama: Karapiro contest sees interest surge

A record number of crews have entered the ActivePost National Waka Ama Sprint Championships beginning at Lake Karapiro today. Photo/George Novak

The country's finest waka ama paddlers have converged on Lake Karapiro for the ActivePost National Waka Ama Sprint Championships beginning today.

A record number of paddlers have signed up to compete in the event in its 25th year, with 1461 crews from 54 clubs set to contest the national outrigger canoe titles.

All told, more than 2800 paddlers from throughout New Zealand are expected to compete across 10 different age groups before the championships finish on Saturday.

Local crews make up a decent chunk of the teams searching for success at Karapiro.

Maketu Hoe Waka of Tauranga has 10 teams taking part, Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club nine, Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao an impressive 45 and Tarawera Outrigger Canoe Club has two crews.

Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao club captain Howard James said the number of teams his club has entered is indicative of the growing popularity of the sport.

"It's the most we've had for a while, there seems to be a bit of a resurgence," James said.

Some of the crews have competed in Rarotonga in preparation, which James hopes will hold them in good stead once the event gets under way.

He believed lane selection would be important, as would an understanding that the canoe would behave differently on Lake Karapiro.

"We're used to salt water, and the boat reacts differently in fresh water. The boat is a bit heavier in the salt water, but we've done all the training."

Waka ama New Zealand chief executive Lara Collins believed this year's event would be the biggest yet.

"The number of crews signing up has been quite phenomenal, and we're expecting a bumper crowd," Collins said.

"What's great also is that we're seeing more kids of all ages giving waka ama racing a go. That's fantastic for our sport.

"The paddlers are all competitive, but everyone definitely has a lot of fun too. And with more than 10,000 people expected to line the banks, the atmosphere will be electric."