Creating a Waka Ama paddle erg at home
Covid-19 calls for a Plan B OK, so now I am definitely onto Plan B. Aotearao, New Zealand's Long Distance Nationals in Picton have been cancelled. International Va'a Federation World Sprints in ... Read More
Latest Posts
I’m refusing to act my age
Age is no barrier to competing internationally I've just Qualified to race at World Sprints, 2020 At nearly 70 I have qualified to represent Aotearoa New Zealand in the single waka racing at the 2020 ... Read More
Training at Primal Fit Gym, Nelson
Going to 'Worlds' is such a big journey. Besides all the training, I have had to put my cap in hand and start asking for support. It's a really challenging thing to do for someone of my ... Read More
Magic days on the water in Nelson
We have an active group of oneman paddlers in Nelson, paddling both V1 and OC1. We often meet Saturdays at the beach. Sometimes Tony or Jan have their GoPros out... Paddling from Tahunanui ... Read More
Buying Waka Paddles (Outrigger or Va’a Paddles)
Waka Paddles are A very personal choice Getting the right paddle for you can be a bit of a challenge. I started off using our club paddles. They were wooden, heavy and well used, so they 'plopped' a ... Read More
Buying a V1 Va’a (rudderless outrigger canoe) for Grannies
From OC1 to V1 I bought the OC1 nearly 3 years ago and it's made such a difference in my life. It made it easier to train for World Sprints when my crew was spread from North Cape to the Bluff (one ... Read More
Competing at World Sprints, Tahiti, 2018
I find it really easy to offer help, support and awhi to others. And yet it is always so much harder to ask for help for something for myself. Going to the 2018 IVF Va’a (Waka Ama) World Club ... Read More
Saying YES opens up my world
At 67 saying "Yes" is really important and I've been saying "YES" a lot more lately. I am constantly amazed at how my world opens up when I do. It changes everything, I feel better about myself, I ... Read More
Off Water Training – Waka Ama Sprints for the over 60’s
Getting fit on my own doesn't work for me. I can paddle heaps because I am usually paddling with another 5 people and have a commitment to my crew. However, some forms of waka ama, like sprints, ... Read More
Hydration & Nutrition Critical for Long Distance Waka Ama Paddling
Increase the distance, increase the nutrition Proper hydration and nutrition are critical if you are going to do long distance waka ama racing or doing long distance training. We have an OC6 crew who ... Read More