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National | Sports

First time paddlers give it their best shot

Many from near and far gathered at Lake Karapiro today to participate in the National Waka Ama Sprint Championship.

Midget (under 10) teams from 61 clubs took to the water today, despite the downpour of rain, in a bid to be crowned the 2019 champions for their grade.

It was the first time on the water for many of the young paddlers and despite the grey skies, they all gave it a good go.

#WAKAAMA The 30th annual National Waka Ama Sprints Championship has kicked off today at Lake Karapiro. Despite the rain, midget teams continue to battle it out for the top spot. Tune into the Māori TV website for all the latest updates on today’s races.

Posted by Te Ao Māori News on Sunday, January 13, 2019

Midget teams compete over 250 metres in six and twelve person races, with the distance increasing throughout the week as the grades go up in level.

First timers Te Whānau-ā-Apanui Waka Ama Club have secured themselves a place in tomorrow’s championship final for the midget grade.

The final rounds for the midget grade will take place tomorrow and the heats for day two will see the Intermediate (11-13) grade and the J16 (Under 16) grade take to the water.

Māori Television will be live streaming the final races on their website.

#WAKAAMA The flag boat plays a key role in Waka Ama as it determines when each race starts. Te Kāea spoke to Mere Taylor-Tuiloma to get an insight to what her mahi is all about For full coverage of semi finals tune in to www.maoritelevision.com

Posted by Te Ao Māori News on Sunday, January 13, 2019