Ōmokoroa Beach will resonate with the rhythmic splash of paddles when the Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club celebrates its 20th Dash event this weekend.

The event, a regular on the waka ama calendar, will see around 300 paddlers take part in the Ōmokoroa Dash.

The club has run a 10km regatta for more than 25 years with the dash event in its 20th year. It started as the Matakana Dash, then Maungatapu before making its way to Ōmokoroa Domain in 2013.

The event now features two main race distances; the competitive 10km race, which includes women’s, men’s and mixed team race, and a 5km race designed for juniors, novices and family teams.

Racing begins with the 10km women’s/mixed six-person waka ama and singles men’s waka race.

Race two is the junior and novice teams – the whānau race is to encourage new paddlers and families to race together for the 5km six-person (W6) event.

Ages of competitors range from 14 plus.

Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club manager Rebecca Ryder said waka ama is a value-based sport focused on whakawhanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (blessing).

“Events typically involve all age ranges, and the sport has become well known for its whānau focus and values.”

They integrate a stop at the halfway mark on the 10km race that involves a short beach sprint, “to mix it up a little”.

As the event now starts and finishes at Ōmokoroa Beach, families often set up at the domain close to the playground to watch the races.

There will be spot prizes and a free sausage sizzle for competitors. It is a smoke and alcohol-free event.

“Everyone is welcoming and while competition is fierce on the water, we are all there to help on the shore.”

The Ōmokoroa Dash will be hosted at Ōmokoroa Domain from 9am to 4pm on February 22.