What a truly amazing week away our 19 students experienced at the NZ Waka Ama Nationals at the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) in Rotorua.
They travelled down on the 23rd of March for a week of racing with 124 other kura, 2,200 other paddlers!
They trained throughout the summer holidays and before, and after school hours. They fundraised their hearts out for 4 week before departing to get to this competition and represent their kura and motu.
Our kids showed amazing dedication, courage, resilience, camaraderie and passion, and learnt so much about their teammates, fellow paddlers and the sport.
A huge THANKS goes out to all the local businesses, and the local community, teachers, parents and coaches for the support to get them their.
J19 Girls, Waiheke Stingers: Skyla Moffat, Ava Cash, Grace Russell, Sarah Martin, Eva Rees, Ruby Parker.
- Finished 6th in their Championship Semi-final 500m Turn Race
- Finished 4th in the Second Division Semi-final 250m Sprint (sadly disqualified for out of lane, weather related)
J16 Girls, Waiheke Mangopare: Mischa Sullivan, Aurora Russell, Calista Norman, Gaia Mills, Fern Cash, Manuella Forero.
- Finished 4th in their Semi-final, 500m Turn Race (sadly disqualified for hitting the flag)
- Finished 6th in the Second Division Semi-final 250m Sprint
J16 Boys, Waiheke Whai: Niko Janashia, Luca Niwa, Jude Campbell, Benji Niwa, Jimmy Norman, Munro Parker.
- Finished 1st (GOLD) in the Second Division 500m Turn Race
- Finished 9th in the Second Division 250m Final (note: only 4 seconds between 1st & 9th place!)
(Text by Tanya Russell)
Watch the final of the boys U16 – Waiheke High School wins gold!
