Golden double as Horouta eye another top club title

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE country’s No.1 waka ama club’s mission to stay at the top is on track after three days of the national sprint championships on Lake Karapiro.

Horouta Waka Hoe and fellow Gisborne club Mareikura have enjoyed medal success in midget, intermediate and junior age groups.

Horouta’s junior 16 men’s crew Baby Helis have been the stars so far.

The team of Anaru Paenga-Morgan, Kayleb Te Whare, Lyric Baty-Akurangi, Mairangi Campbell, Manaakiao Maxwell and Tane Ruru won the J16 men’s W6 500 by 0.62 of a second and the W6 1000 by over 5½ secs.

There was also gold for Horouta crew Pakarae in the intermediate boys’ W6 500 and silver in the W6 500 with turns.

The Pakarae crew of Bronte Kaitai, Cody Tarei, David Ben McClutchie, Rikirangi Gage, Ruaumoko Te Hau and Taine Moeke also combined with another Horouta team, under the name Irakaiputahi, to win the W12 500.

Horouta’s Puhi Kaiariki won silver in the J16 women’s W5 500.

Horouta’s Hinepukohurangi won silver in the intermediate girls’ W12 500 and bronze in the W6 500 and W6 500 with turns.

Horouta Water Babies were second in the championship final of the midget girls’ W12 250.

Mareikura picked up a couple of medals.

The J16 men’s crew Nga Tama Taniwha won bronze in the W12 500 and intermediate boys’ crew Hiro got bronze in the W6 500.

The nationals continue today with a full day of W1 racing throughout the age groups, ending with the finals of the premier men’s and women’s divisions.

It is back to W6 and W12 racing on Friday and most of Saturday. The champs conclude on Saturday with the popular junior and premier 250m dash races.

This year’s nationals have attracted around 3500 paddlers from 80 clubs plus a contingent from Tahiti, which will be hosting the world va’a sprint champs in July.