ActivePost National Long Distance Waka Ama Championships   2 Apr 2015

Media release

2 April 2014

30km marathon event attracts record paddlers at ActivePost National Long Distance Waka Ama Championships

The small Northland town of Ruakaka will come alive this Easter weekend as more than 1200 paddlers and supporters arrive for the 2015 ActivePost National Long Distance Waka Ama Championships.

The Championships, taking place from 4-5 April, are set to be one of the biggest events yet with organisers expecting more than 35 clubs and well over 600 paddlers. The championships are supported by New Zealand Post’s ActivePost initiative which encourages young people and communities to participate in sports and physical activity.

Lara Collins, Chief Executive of Waka Ama New Zealand, said that the 30km marathon event was going to be the highlight of the competition.

“Paddlers have been training for months for these championships. The marathon event tests their limits and we often see some epic sprints to the finish line for those top placings.”

“Entries in the competition have doubled from last year’s event and we are guaranteed to see some outstanding performances of athleticism, power and endurance on the water. Waka Ama has a strong presence in Northland and with these clubs comes just as many excited supporters to cheer from the shoreline.”

For the championships, clubs will compete for national honours in one, two or six paddler teams over distances of 12km, 15km, and 30km. The paddlers will compete in various age classes on a course that promises to challenge the most experienced paddlers.

New Zealand Post’s Community Sponsorship Manager, Charles Ropitini, said Waka Ama was continuing to attract new people to the sport.

“Every year more and more people are opting to man a paddle and compete at Waka Ama events throughout New Zealand. It’s fantastic to have seen the sport grow to where it is today.

“The sport holds enormous appeal because anyone can take part no matter their level of experience. These championships always receive an incredible level of support from communities and we’re looking forward to seeing Northland welcome the paddlers,” he said.

Waka Ama racing’s increasing popularity makes it the fastest growing water sport in New Zealand. Each year, more than 8,000 paddlers from 85 Clubs turn out to race Waka Ama in a show of brute strength, endurance, and team work. Many thousands more attend to watch the racing as spectators.

The first race begins at 8.30am on Saturday 4 April with the 30km Women and Mixed Championship race.

For full details about the event, including crews and course information visit http://wakaama.co.nz/racecalendar/lookup/1042

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Editor’s notes

About Waka Ama NZ

Established in 1987, Nga Kaihoe O Aotearoa (Waka Ama New Zealand) is the national governing body for Waka Ama in New Zealand. Waka Ama’s vision is to lead the development, practice and promotion of the sport and culture of Waka Ama so that by 2035, future generations will have a sport where: “Waka Ama is a heavyweight in the Aotearoa/New Zealand sporting psyche and is recognised as a global leader and significant influencer in the sport, nationally and internationally.”

For further information about Waka Ama NZ visit www.wakaama.co.nz

About ActivePost

Launched in mid-2011, ActivePost is a New Zealand Post initiative to support grassroots participation in sports and recreation and give all Kiwis the opportunity to have a go. Each year, more than 200,000 Kiwi kids participate in ActivePost sports. Initiatives that ActivePost provides support to include:

• Athletics New Zealand - Get Set Go Programme

• New Zealand Cricket – National Schools Programme

• Tennis New Zealand - Tennis Hot Shots Programme

For more information about ActivePost and its activities, visit www.activepost.co.nz

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