Hemi Vincent and
others established the Motueka Waka Ama Club in 1996. We have a
strong core membership of adult paddlers ranging in ages, cultures
and levels of fitness. Encouraging rangatahi (youth) involvement is
important to the club. We also endeavour to coach and encourage new
members.
The
club is very fortunate and grateful to have had the wisdom and
generosity of two very experienced paddlers from Hawaii, Pam and Bill
Monahan. They have encouraged and trained paddlers and also gifted
two waka ama, “Te Waka Tutu” and “Piwaiwaka”. We also
acknowledge the generous and ongoing sponsorship of Wakatu
Incorporation and the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Board.
Our waka ama are
a valuable asset to the club and the community. We believe that they
are not just boats but more sacred in nature and possessing of mana.
They demand to be treated with the utmost respect and care. There is
an expectation that club members will follow the correct protocol for
maintenance, use, safety and tikanga (customs) of the waka ama and
hoe (paddles). Your kaiwhakatere (steerer) will instruct you on these. We
paddle from the north end of Kaiteriteri Beach to Split Apple Rock
and beyond or to Tapu Bay and the Riwaka River mouth and estuary.
This depends on tides, weather and training demands.
No comments:
Post a Comment