Waka Ama: All eyes on waka ama prize

Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata under-16 mixed competing yesterday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua schools are hoping for a successful few days out on Tikitapu (Blue Lake) at the 2015 ActivePost Waka Ama Secondary School Championships.

Sunshine broke through early morning rain clouds just in time for the start of the tournament's opening heats yesterday.

Organisers expect more than 1450 paddlers from 97 schools to take part over four days, in what they claim to be one of the largest secondary school sports events in New Zealand.

As the first races took place, Rotorua Boys' High School coach Wairangi Jones said local fans could be in for a treat.

"Waka ama is very popular, particularly in this area because the older boys get into it so I'm expecting good results from Rotorua teams.

"Our own chances? We're quietly confident, but respectful of all the other teams. A lot of our boys have already medalled at nationals."

Teams at the championships will compete for national honours in one, six or 12 paddler teams over distances of 250 and 500m.

The tournament is a milestone for John Paul College - students are competing for the first time in a decade, after starting training only six weeks ago.

Teacher Cecelia Pakinga praised the ethos of waka ama and the tournament.

"It's about leadership, broadening the scope of our school and giving opportunities to participate," she said.

John Paul College students Anahera and Claudia, both 13, said they were "nervous" but excited to be be taking part for the first time.

Waka Ama NZ boss Lara Collins said she was pleased the weather had picked up after such a drizzly morning.

For her, holding the championships at Tikitapu was a no-brainer.

"Look at it - it's beautiful."

She said waka ama was a great sport that everyone could get involved in.

"It's fun, anybody can do it. It caters to all kids, and people like getting out on the water and being with their friends."

The other Rotorua schools taking part are Rotorua Girls' High School, Rotorua Lakes High School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu, Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata, TKKM o Hurungaterangi, and Western Heights High School.

Now in its 14th year, the championships are on at Tikitapu until Friday.

The first day of racing saw gold medals for students from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu, Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata and John Paul College in individual events, and podium finishes for teams from Rotorua Lakes High, Western Heights High, Rotorua Boys' and Rotorua Girls' High schools.

-Full results from each days races can be viewed at the Waka Ama NZ website.