Codi Webb steered the River Queens to victory on Saturday.
Codi Webb steered the River Queens to victory on Saturday.
The River Queens waka ama team are gearing up for a 80km journey along the Whanganui River from Pipiriki to Pakaitore this weekend as they continue their preparation for the National Long Distance competition next month.
This just a week after come-from-behind podium finish at the latest Hoe Tonga WakaAma race at Putiki on Saturday.
"Once again they are going to be facing stacked odds, but I think they will repay the faith of their families and the people sponsoring them for this event," coach Howard Hyland said.
"I believe the sheer grit of this team means I can keep raising the bar on them, they would never let each other down, and they never take a backward step that's the key."
Hyland said a great team ethic had underpinned the Whanganui teenagers' unexpected rise.
From left, Anika Robinson and Isabella Osborne provided the power for the River Queens win.
The River Queens began Saturday's race well behind the pack after waiting too long for the starter flag rather than edging up to the line like more seasoned teams.
"Coming from behind has been a theme for these youngsters, they weren't given any quarter by the other teams, and they don't expect it," Hyland said.
Team manager Annamaria Jones said steerer Codi Webb played a big role in the surge to the finish line as did new newcomer Isabella Osborne who paired up with power paddler Anika Robinson.
