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…
Buying a V1 Va’a (rudderless outrigger canoe) for Grannies
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 end of New Zealand to the other).…
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…
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…
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 have been going out for 20 – 25km paddles on a…
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…