Tairawhiti waka ama paddlers head to Tahiti

WORLD CHAMPS IN SIGHT: Tairawhiti waka ama paddlers training for the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Tahiti this month gather at the marina. Many competitors have already set off, and crews have been training almost right up to the time of departure. Gisborne has three clubs taking part — Horouta Waka Hoe, Mareikura Waka Ama Club and the recently formed YMP Waka Ama. The championships are split into elite and club sections. Elite paddlers in either development (J19) or open divisions compete from July 19 to 23. Those in the world club champs will compete from July 21 to 26. Over 11 days, 2100 paddlers from 34 countries will take part. Picture by Paul Rickard

.