Waka Ama: Family are Kings of Tutukaka water

Dave King (left), Riana King, Rosie King, Tahitian paddler Nohoarii Tahiata, Tupu King and Nyree King stand with their trophies. Photo / Supplied

Very seldom in New Zealand sporting realms does a family succeed with complete dominance.

For the Kings, a well-known waka ama family from Taipa, this myth can be put to rest.

The Kings graced the Bo Herbert Memorial Race with oar and canoe over the weekend, taking home several trophies and laying their claim, next to the Herbert family, as a formidable force on the national waka ama scene.

Tupu King continued his winning form, taking overall honours in the Bo Herman Memorial waka ama race

Tupu King took out the overall Bo Herbert Memorial trophy for being the first craft home, followed closely by younger sister Rosie, who also won the women's race.

Nyree King tailed closely behind her daughter, finishing third to second-placed Ngaire Pehi.

The remaining members of the King whanau, father Dave and daughter Riana, made a strong statement winning the four-leg relay race.

Waka ama stalwart Bryce Irving and visiting Tahitian paddler Nohoarii Tahiata were second and third respectively in the men's standings.

The regatta, which took place off the Tutukaka coast, featured a strong turnout with "just under 90 paddlers and around 80 craft", race organiser Conan Herbert, son of Bo Herbert, said.

With conditions remarkably better than last year, Herbert was happy with the course layout, which ran from Matapouri to Kowharewa Bay.

"From what the paddlers said, it was a hard day on the water. It was a beautiful day but the heat made the course a little bit challenging.

"Last year, Cyclone Lusi came through and we had to postpone, so it was good to be able to run this year."

This year's race format incorporated a 30-minute head start for the woman's race competitors in order to give them a better shot at winning the overall Bo Herbert Memorial Trophy.

However, a healthy sibling rivalry plagued Rosie King's chance at the trophy. Elder brother Tupu caught up to her, and paddled alongside for a portion of time near the end of the race, before stroking off to claim top honours.