Waka Ama

Ōtūmoetai College is proud to offer Waka ama training in partnership with Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club (TMOCC).

An annual junior membership at Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club (TMOCC) is $69, which includes the Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ Affiliation fee.

TMOCC is the closest club to Ōtūmoetai College, and membership includes the supply of all lifejackets, hoe (paddles), waka and subsidised waka transport to events.

The Secondary School Nationals are held in March each year. These are school teams. Although you do not have to be a member of a club to compete, you will need to be a member of a club to train. Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao and Te Tai Ora ki Rangiwaea Manatōpū Waka Ama Club are other local clubs in our rohe.

During the year, there are local races that cost between $20 and $40 per paddler to enter.

The Te Puku O Te Ika (TPOTI) Regional Sprints are held annually in December. In January the National Sprint Nationals are held at Karāpiro. The cost of this is usually $65 per paddler to enter.

In either April or October, the Long Distance Nationals are held. The race moves to a different location around Aotearoa each year. The cost varies but is around $60 per paddler.

Local events are one day long. National events are held over a few days and accommodation may be needed.

Teacher in Charge/Coach – Miss Stephanie Townsend

I have been paddling waka ama for over three years. In this time I have paddled with Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao and Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club.

I am thrilled to be part of the Waka Ama coaching staff at Ōtūmoetai College.

My aim is for students to have the opportunity to enjoy this amazing sport, build their skills and to explore our significant places.

There are also ample opportunities for our students to compete in the many waka ama events available both locally and further afield.

We are very fortunate to have Darryl Hyne on board, with his extensive expertise and experience as the head coach.

Head Coach/Teacher Aide – Darryl Hyne

Paddling for over 10 years. Represented Aotearoa at the 2023 Long Distance Worlds in Samoa (v6), World Club Sprints 2024 Hawai`i (v6), and National titles (w6) at both sprints and long distance.

I am excited to be part of the team bringing Waka ama to Ōtūmoetai College. My aim is to enable students to paddle at the level they want, from social paddling to National competitions.

Teacher/Coach – Miss Kate Hills,

I am a beginner to Waka Ama. I am really excited to learn the techniques, teamwork, and culture behind Waka Ama. I am keen to support students who would like to give it a go.

Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club (TMOCC)

www.tmocc.co.nz

Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ (WAANZ)

www.wakaama.co.nz