Club to celebrate arrival of two new waka
Waka paddlers Jocelynne Bacci, Natalie Bright, Martine Bouillir, Jacqui Neary, Kelly Bannister and Claire Webster. Photo: Ina Holst.
The Onetahua Waka Ama club is eagerly awaiting the arrival of two new waka of their very own at the end of October, and they will celebrate with the public on 22 November.
"We have for the last year borrowed a waka from the Motueka club and are now about to receive our own two beautiful waka, and there will be a powhiri for them when they arrive. We will have a big open day/celebration for all to view the waka and have a go if they'd like," said waka ama club member Claire Webster. The waka are being transported from Napier.
Since beginning in October 2006, the club has gone from strength to strength, and has grown to over 30 members. Three teams are currently preparing for the Kaiteriteri marathon in mid-November.
The club welcomes new members and is especially reaching out to young people to join in.
"The club started out quite social, but it is getting more serious now and we will have an open women's, a novice women's and a mixed novice at the marathon," said club spokesperson Andrea Dixon. "There are these two aspects to it: having fun and being serious about it, as well as being out on the water and enjoying the sea. We always have lots of laughs and we have awesome social interaction and I made a lot of new friends."
Paddling in a waka certainly requires certain skills. Last Friday a women's team paddled from Tarakohe to Tata Beach to practise controlled capsizing and righting the outrigger-which was not for those with a dislike for cold water.
"It is really easy to fall out," said Natalie Bright, "and if one person moves we all have to move."
"And I just wished the water was a bit warmer," added Martine Bouillir, with a doubtful glance over the steely grey water.
The club is in the process of formalising policies and procedures, and club member Moana Christensen said the club's mission was to "enshrine the traditions and sport of waka ama through tikanga Maori education, and encouraging whanau in the community in a safe and healthy environment."
Ina Holst
