National waka ama championships underway

Photos from day one’s action.

The 30th National Waka Ama Sprint Championships is officially underway this week.

Taking place in Karapiro, this year's event is focussing on children.

Crowds of around 1300 people gathered in Karapiro on Monday, all coming together for a Pōwhiri at the western shore of Lake Karāpiro, in the Don Rowlands Centre, says event organisers.

'Karakia were offered, thanks were given, and wero (challenges) were laid in preparation for the coming week of high intensity sprints.

'We kicked off, as usual, with the midgies. In our first day of competitions, we had 643 paddlers under 10, from clubs throughout New Zealand.

'The midgets are the perfect way to start, they are the future of Waka Ama.”

Organisers says people throughout the Waipā district - especially Cambridge - have rolled out a warm welcome, banners are up on the main street, some shops have printed welcome messages and popped them up in the front window, people asking where they can get Waka Ama shirts and merchandise, it's been an awesome reception.

'We are excited to have 1983 paddlers under 16 today, competing in 51 races.

'We hope tomorrow's conditions at Lake Karāpiro are as good as they were today.”

Day 2 (Tuesday) rundown:

the under 10's finals 250m

Intermediate (11 to 13) 500m

J16 500m

Results from day 1 and Lane draw for day 2 are available from the following link https://wakaama.co.nz/stories/read/1004962

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