Waka ama captain aims high (+video)

Rotorua Boys' High School are aiming to become the best in the world at Under-19 level in waka ama after their recent medal haul at the 17th IVF World Elite and Club Sprint Championships.

The Koutu-based Hei Matau waka ama paddlers, lined up for three finals at Lake Kawana, on the Sunshine Coast, Australia earlier this month.

They placed third in the W12 event, earning a bronze medal and bragging rights as the third best team in the world.

Crew captain, steerer and school prefect, Tipene James, 17, was happy with the result on the day because of the tough competition and is eyeing the world top spot in the future.

"It was a very competitive race and so it wasn't an easy task to bring home a medal," he said.

"We were up against the likes of Australia which was never going to be easy but we put in a great performance.

"I want to do well in the future with the team. The first target will be to qualify for the next two world events but then after that it's good to aim for the very top.

"It might not happen but we are improving all the time as a team, so one day we could be the best."

The other paddlers in James' team were Manaaki Te Kowhai, Te Maiora Rurehe, Kaipo Brown and Tihema Ned.

They also came fourth and fifth in the 500m sprint and 1000m turns race respectively.

And this continued on from their success of being crowned New Zealand Secondary Schools waka ama champions earlier this year.

Paddler Te Kowhai not only impressed in these team events but he also picked up a silver medal in the NZ J19 1000m and a bronze in the NZ J19 500m.

Teacher and paddler Wairangi Jones praised the success of all the school's representatives and, like James, is eyeing a golden future.

"It truly showed the world how good New Zealand is at the sport," he said.

"And what the boys did is incredible. The standard of competition was mind-boggling - there were extremely talented competitors that they raced against.

"To be able to come from Rotorua Boys' High School, and the town of Rotorua, it's a huge achievement.

"The big goal in mind now is to be the best in the world, so we just look to keep improving and really perform at all the world champ events."

Two other paddlers who were members of the Rotorua Boys' High School Under-16, 2016 New Zealand Secondary Schools Waka Ama champion team went to the worlds as well.

They were Te Roro Eparaima and Jesse Yates. Both students triumphed, picking up bronze medals in the W12 event.

Other local clubs that had members bring home medals included Ruamata Waka Ama Club, Te Aurere Waka Ama Club and Rotorua-based members from the Tarawera Outrigger Canoe Club.

New Zealand finished number one in the world after picking up 30 gold medals, 27 silvers and 22 bronzes.