It's raining medals for local waka ama paddlers

Teams take to the water in the men's open race at Te Wananga o Aotearoa Long Distance National waka ama races at Perfume Point in Napier. Photo/Warren Buckland

Rotorua waka ama clubs have enjoyed a successful weekend at the 2017 Te Wananga o Aotearoa Long Distance Nationals, picking up an impressive 24 medals between them.

The event, held at Perfume Point in Napier, attracted 800 paddlers from 53 clubs throughout New Zealand. Rotorua's Hei Matau Paddlers, Ruamata Waka Ama, Te Au Rere Waka Ama and Te Arawa Paddlers more than held their own.

Racing was over a two-day period, with singles (W1) on the first day and six-man (W6) on the second day. Distances were from 10km up to 28km and three of the four Rotorua clubs secured podium finishes.

Hei Matau had the second-highest number of entries for the event with 22 teams and individuals, as well as a joint venture with PCKC from Wellington which was registered to give both clubs' juniors a chance to race.

Hei Matau won five gold medals, eight silver medals and one bronze. Ruamata won six gold and one silver. Te Au Rere won one silver and two bronze.

Ruamata club president Heeni Hope said the event was well organised and competitive.

"We're really pleased. The women's team especially, that won outright, were definitely in the top two so they were always in medal contention. It was just a matter of what colour it was going to be. They're a strong team, they're consistently competing at the highest level and we're certainly proud of them.

"It is one of the two national events for waka ama, the long distance and the sprints, and the long distance is still probably not as well attended as the sprints - the spectacle event of the year - in terms of numbers.

"The training during winter and being in open water conditions makes it challenging for some. It's not for everyone but it's certainly growing in popularity. The Napier event this year was really well run and they looked after all the competitors which made it a really positive experience too," Hope said.