This year, from 3 to 6 October 2024, the beautiful Oneroa (Midway Beach) in Gisborne is the venue for this annual celebration of paddling prowess. Although the event was due to start today, weather concerns have delayed the start until tomorrow, ensuring competitors can safely participate. This year’s nationals mark another milestone in the rapid growth of Waka Ama, not just as a sport, but as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.
Waka Ama = Cultural Roots
Waka Ama, also known as outrigger canoeing, has deep roots in Polynesian and Māori culture. In New Zealand, it’s more than just a sport—it’s a connection to ancestral traditions of navigation and ocean voyaging. The name itself, Waka Ama, translates to “outrigger canoe” in Māori, highlighting the blend of cultural significance and athletic achievement that defines the sport.
The sport involves paddling in six-person (W6), twelve-person (W12), or single-person (W1) outrigger canoes across distances ranging from a few kilometres to marathon-length races. Participants need strength, endurance, and technique to navigate New Zealand’s varied and sometimes challenging coastal waters.
Waka Ama has experienced incredible growth in recent years. From local clubs to national events, thousands of paddlers across New Zealand participate in this water-based sport. It provides a platform not just for competition but also for celebrating Māori heritage and community spirit.
The Fastest Growing Water Sports in New Zealand
Waka Ama has become one of the fastest-growing water sports in New Zealand, with strong participation from both Māori and non-Māori communities. It has evolved from a recreational activity into a full-fledged national sport. The reasons for its widespread popularity are multifaceted.
Firstly, the sport promotes inclusivity, with paddlers of all ages, from young children to elders, taking part. The camaraderie within Waka Ama clubs and teams fosters a sense of whānau (family), making it an appealing sport for people of all backgrounds. Competitions often bring together diverse groups, united by their love for the water and respect for Māori culture.
Waka Ama’s emphasis on physical fitness and teamwork also makes it appealing to those looking for an active lifestyle. It’s not just about paddling; it’s about pushing personal boundaries, achieving fitness goals, and connecting with nature. The sport encourages participants to engage with the outdoors, embracing the natural beauty of New Zealand’s rivers, lakes, and coastline.
Additionally, Waka Ama’s connection to Māori culture has been a significant driver of its growth. Many participants view the sport as a way to honour their cultural roots, and Waka Ama events are often accompanied by cultural performances, kai (food), and celebrations, making it much more than just a sporting competition.
Competitions Throughout the Year
Waka Ama competitions are held throughout the year, with events ranging from sprint races to long-distance marathons. The Sprint Nationals, held at Lake Karāpiro every January, draw thousands of paddlers from all over the country and is one of the largest Waka Ama events on the calendar. Competitors of all skill levels, from novice paddlers to seasoned veterans, take part in races that vary in length and difficulty.
But the Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals, held every October, are a special event for those who thrive in endurance racing. While the Sprint Nationals test speed and short bursts of energy, the Long Distance Nationals challenge paddlers to maintain stamina and technique over significantly longer distances, often battling against strong winds and tides.
Spotlight on the 2024 Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals
This year’s Long Distance Nationals promise to be another thrilling chapter in Waka Ama’s history. Although the event was delayed by a day due to weather, organisers have ensured that safety remains the top priority. Competitors will begin their races tomorrow, with an exciting line-up of categories, including W1, W6, and W12 races for both men and women.
The event at Oneroa (Midway Beach) in Gisborne is set to attract more than 1,000 paddlers from across New Zealand. While weather may have delayed the start, it hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of competitors or spectators. The beach will be a hive of activity as paddlers prepare their canoes, perform last-minute checks on their gear, and mentally gear up for the endurance challenge ahead.
Competitors in the Long Distance Nationals face races ranging from 10 kilometres to 30 kilometres or more, depending on their category. The demanding conditions of open-water paddling require not just physical fitness but also a deep understanding of the ocean, weather patterns, and teamwork. It’s a true test of endurance, strategy, and skill.
For the paddlers, these races are a culmination of months of training and preparation. Many teams and individuals have spent the year competing in regional events, fine-tuning their technique and building the strength needed to tackle the challenging races at the Long Distance Nationals.
Cultural and Community Impacts
Beyond the competition, Waka Ama events like the Long Distance Nationals play a significant role in strengthening community ties and celebrating Māori culture. Events are often accompanied by pōwhiri (welcome ceremonies), haka (traditional Māori dances), and cultural exchanges between paddlers. The Waka Ama community prides itself on fostering a sense of belonging, with an emphasis on respect for the ocean, the environment, and each other.
For many, these events are not just about winning but about participating in something larger than themselves. The shared experience of paddling across the open ocean, whether in competition or practice, creates a bond between team members and fosters connections across different communities. For many Māori participants, Waka Ama provides a powerful connection to their heritage and the ancestral traditions of voyaging.
Looking Forward to the Long Distance Nationals
As the 2024 Long Distance Nationals get underway, the Waka Ama community continues to grow and thrive. The sport’s combination of physical endurance, cultural significance, and community spirit makes it one of New Zealand’s most cherished water sports.
With strong support from local clubs and national organisations, Waka Ama is poised to continue its growth in the years to come. As competitors take to the water this weekend in Gisborne, they not only carry the weight of competition but also the spirit of the ancestors who first navigated these waters in their own waka. The future of Waka Ama looks bright, with more paddlers than ever embracing the sport, its values, and the unique connection it offers to New Zealand’s rich maritime history.
