Whanganui waka crew rock the boat in Samoa

WAKA WHANGANUI: The Whanganui crew take time out at the Alo Paopao Waka Ama Regatta in Samoa last week to enjoy the sun. They include: (back from left) Ian Filo, Te Kopae Filo, Whare Te Riaki, Joshua Ranginui. (middle) Seletar Filo, Betty Joe Wiari, Te Wai Edmonds, Chaana Morgan, Hinepuraurangi Hawira, Turanga Kerr. (kneeling) Te Riaki Hawira, Ngawai Matthews, (absent) Rere Hetet, Shaia Twoomey.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A trip to compete in the third annual Alo Paopao Waka Ama Regatta in Samoa last week was not all plain sailing for a Whanganui crew, but certainly well worth the journey.

The 25-strong crew had a dual purpose in mind during the week-long regatta.

The main focus was to compete, while the second was to find ways to help refloat the large Samoan seagoing waka "Gaualofa" that was in need of repair.

Whanganui head coaches Ian and Seletar Filo said the crew was well represented on and off the water and the connections made with the Samoan outrigger and sailing community would continue to grow.

The husband and wife coaching team said the regatta was launched after an impressive opening ceremony on the Apia waterfront and opened by the Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi.

"Weather conditions delayed races on the first day," Seletar Filo said yesterday.

"Day two featured long distance and our crew experienced their first open ocean paddling over the reef into some big swells. We placed fourth and seventh. Day three gave everyone an opportunity to paddle in either the 500m or 1000m sprints, but adjusting to island time was challenging as was using va'a (canoes) that were in need of some essentials which we take for granted such as bungs, rope and lashing," Filo said.

The VIP crew made the finals but were unable to race due to unwell paddlers.

"We were greeted by the president of the Samoan Outrigger Association, who was appreciative and humbled by the support we had shown toward the Alo Paopao Regatta. Two members of our travelling team will be sailing again over the coming month.

"Toira Hawira returns to Samoa next week to join the Hawaiian sailing waka Hkle'a and Hikianalia, while Rere Hetet is part of the haunui crew which leaves New Zealand on October 20.

"These waka will be joined by Gaualofa-Samoa, Marumaru Atua-Cook Islands, and Uto ni Yalo-Fiji as they make their way across the ocean to the IUCN world parks congress in Sydney.

"Samoa is beautiful and we met so many amazing people passionate about paddling and sailing. We have been invited to Tonga as they too look into the possibility of running a small event in 2015/2016," Filo said.

Anyone interested in supporting waka ama (outrigger canoe) and waka hauroa (traditional sailing) can contact Seletar Filo wwat06@gmail.com.