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,…
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 meet more people, I go more places…
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, require a greater cardio fitness. I’ve done it…
Transitioning to minimalist running shoes
People often ask me what the transition to minimalist footwear was like. There are some common concerns/questions that I hear: I have [insert joint pain here] and I’m worried about the lack of cushioning/support. Will it hurt my feet? Is the transition prone to injury…
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…
Racing into Retirement
I am passionate about waka ama even though I came to it later than most. I was 63 when I took up the sport. I have never done a team sport before, and not done any sport at all in the last 25 years, apart…