OK, so now I am definitely onto Plan B. New Zealand’s Long Distance Nationals are cancelled. International Va’a Federation World Sprints in Hilo, Hawaii August 2020 are cancelled. I am at home under a national rāhui (lockdown) for four weeks at least. We aren’t allowed…
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 International Va’a Federation (Waka Ama) World Sprint Championships in Hilo,…
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 generation. I asked my personal trainer, Jace Hulena,…
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 Beach Linda tries out her new Va’a Factory V1 Yesterday was an…
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 lot. There was only one 47″ paddle…
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 Championships, Tahiti Our Crew, Tahu-Nui-A-Rangi, qualified…
What makes a good crew
Waka ama crews in New Zealand are normally 6 people who come together for social or racing events in 6 man outrigger canoes (OC6 or W6). Forming racing crews for waka ama racing can be a challenging task. If you are thinking of a race…
Outward Bound – they say only the tough go in the winter
They say only the tough go down in winter and, having been at Outward Bound for the coldest June on record in ages, I have to agree with them. It was cold. Fortunately I am the sort of person who would take a parachute if…
Welcome to Go Minimal
Go Minimal is dedicated to bringing you information about minimal, Zero Drop shoes for getting out Trail Running and living life. We try and energise ourselves with whole food fuels and fuel our souls by getting out into the wilds. We will bring you gear and shoe reviews, recipes and thoughts about how to get off the couch, move, and bring joy into your life.