Waka Ama Sprint Nationals
Te Wananga O Aotearoa Waka Ama Sprint Nationals officially begins the water sports season at Lake Karapiro. More than 3000 paddlers from around New Zealand compete, and 7000 more come to watch, creating a festival atmosphere enjoyed by the whole family.
Waka ama is the New Zealand term for the sport of outrigger canoeing. The name distinguishes an outrigger canoe from other types of waka(canoes). National championships have been held annually since 1989.
One of the sport’s draw cards is that it is all-inclusive.
Since 1990 New Zealand has sent teams to the World Va’a (waka) Championships every two years. New Zealand teams have become world champions in some divisions.