Waka Ama makes splash

Karāpiro Rowing facilities manager Dennis Howard, left, with course assistants Ben Olifiers and Sophie Egnot-Johnson after finishing placement of the 17 Waka Ama lanes. Photo: Jeremy Smith

The largest event on Lake Karāpiro’s annual sporting calendar and the biggest of its type in the world – the 2024 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals – hit the water on Sunday morning.

A stirring 8am pōwhiri got the event, which runs until Saturday January 20, under way – with organisers preparing for about 3300 competing paddlers from both New Zealand and off shore, and between 10,000 and 12,000 spectators daily.

The News was there on Friday as Karāpiro Rowing facilities manager Dennis Howard and his team of course assistants, Sophie Egnot-Johnson and Ben Oliviers, set up the 17 lanes needed for the event in place by laying between seven and 10 kilometres of wire in the water – work which took them roughly seven hours.

Rachael Colgan of Destination Cambridge was on hand at Lake Karāpiro on Saturday to help visitors with queries about accommodation, eateries and attractions. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Waka Ama chief executive Lara Collins told The News this week’s competitive field is expected to be made up of about 1500 men and 1700 women, with paddlers aged between five and 83.

All told, the first day of action on Sunday saw junior paddlers take to the water, and Collins said an impressive 534 paddlers were younger than 10 this year.

“There is something for everyone, we are looking forward to a brilliant week,” she said.

The News will provide coverage of this week’s 2024 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals as the event progresses.

Karāpiro Rowing facilities manager Dennis Howard ensures one of the Waka Ama lanes is properly anchored in place on the shores of the lake. Photo: Jeremy Smith

Course assistants Sophie Egnot-Johnson and Ben Olifiers prepare to place more buoys in the water. Photo: Jeremy Smith

And the winner is… waka cross the finish line during the last race of the day on Sunday. Photo: Jeremy Smith