Author Archives: hoetonga

The return of the… Welly Paddlers Winter Series 2013

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Yep, its that time of the year again. Starting to feel the cold? Is the Southerly making it a little harder to get out of bed in the morning to go for paddle? Well, it looks like you need something to train for, here we go again with this year’s Welly Paddlers Winter Series. The series is brought to you by Jörn Scherzer, Chester Burt & Sharlene Winiata, Chris Fox, and Turi Hodges. The series is proudly supported by Fergs Kayaks.

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What is it about: Do you paddle a surfski, outrigger, canoe or SUP? Then this event is for you. It’s primarily about participation and catching up with your paddling mates but those looking for some competition will find what they are looking for.

Where we have come from: Chester and Sharlene have run a number of very successful paddling events in summer for many years, and Jörn started running a winter series in 2010. They have now combined their efforts with like-minded people to bring you paddling action in winter. We regularly have more than 50 paddlers on the water.

Race dates and venues:

  • Sunday, 26 May; at Shelly Bay or Haitaitai; organised by Chester, 022-645 58 20
  • Sunday, 16 June; at Ngati Toa Domain; organised by Jörn, 021-125 09 97
  • Sunday, 7 July; at Petone or Wellington; organised by Chester, 022-645 58 20
  • Sunday, 28 July; at Onepoto; organised by Turi, 021-685 625
  • Sunday, 18 August; at Hikoikoi / Petone; organised by Chris, 027-651 53 79
  • Sunday, 8 September; at Ngati Toa Domain; organised by Jörn, 021-125 09 97

We encourage you to attend as many races as possible, and not just those in front of your house. Please support your mates in all locations. Note that locations may change in case of poor weather.

Click here to download the race flyer.

Time: meet at 9.15am, race start at 10am (to allow those travelling from as far away as Wairarapa and Palmerston North)

Distance: about 10km for surfskis and outriggers, up to 5km for SUP and juniors

Safety: Paddlers must carry all necessary safety gear such as life jackets, appropriate for each craft, and must be confident in self-rescue techniques! There will not be any support boats. Keep an eye on www.metservice.co.nz to get an indication of the conditions you may encounter, but the course will be set to ensure suitable conditions.

Cost: $5 per paddler ($5 for a single, $10 for a double, $30 for a W6), or $2 per junior-paddler (up to J19). All money goes toward spot prizes, and Fergs Kayaks will multiply the retail value of the spot prizes.

Prizes: There will be loads of cool spot prizes; in the 2012 series we had prizes worth more than $2,300! All you need to do is participate. The more often you race, the higher the chance of winning a prize. Prizes are handed out at the final event. Don’t miss out!

Notices, photos and results: announced at www.hoetonga.co.nz and www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz. The race venue will be confirmed 24 hours before the event on those sites. Results and photos are posted within three days of the event.

Hoe Tonga paddlers with fantastic results at the Aotearoa Aito, 16 March

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A number of Hoe Tonga paddlers achieved fantastic results at the 5th Air Tahiti Nui Aotearoa Aito Race in Auckland last weekend!
Please follow the link to the results and photos on the Aito website: http://www.aotearoaaito.com/.
Some photos are available on facebook, click here.
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The division winners will be travelling to Tahiti to compete in Te Aito on 19/20 July, compliments of Air Tahiti Nui.

Event notice: ‘The Motorway Classic’ on 14 April, at Petone

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A fantastic race for all abilities and all types of craft, including waka ama. Detailed info is available at http://www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz/.

When:

  • Sunday April 14th 2013
  • Race briefing 9.50 am
  • Start: 10.00 am

Entry Fee: * $5 singles * $8 doubles * $12 sixes

Distances: 13km, 6km and 3 km

Contact:

  • Chester Burt
  • Email: chester.burt@gmail.com
  • mobile: 022 645 5820
  • phone: 04 976 1795

Venue: Wellington Waterski Club, Petone (Korokoro Gateway)

Long Course: Petone foreshore to Interislander reclamation and back (An alternate course may be used if it’s a southerly. Check http://www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz/ the day before the event.)

Short Courses: one and two laps along the motorway

Craft: Multisport Kayaks, Waka Ama, Sea Kayaks and Surf skis and Stand Up Paddle Boards.

SAFETY: Buoyancy vests, leg leashes, spray decks and other appropriate safety equipment for your craft, are a requirement of entry.

A monster swell to remember: Photos and results for Bo Herbert race

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This year’s Bo Herbert Race at Tutukaka (Whangarei) was an absolute cracker, with a monster swell and broken canoes, click here to get an impression and check out some photos.

Results and a short write-up are available at http://www.wakaama.co.nz/stories/read/1003230.

Congratulations to Mereana Hodges (3rd in Open Woman) and Jörn Scherzer (3rd in Open Men) from the Hoe Tonga region, who travelled all the way from Wellington to Whangarei to attend this first class event.

Results Regional Secondary Schools Waka ama Sprint Champs

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Kia ora koutou

Official Results – 2013 RSS Waka ama Sprint Champs
Link to photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoetonga/show/

A fantastic weekend for our Secondary School students, teachers, coaches, managers and supporters. Weather delayed the start of racing by an hour and the strong southerly continued throughout the day making conditions extremely challenging for teams. W1 races were cancelled due to weather however the day went well with some 50 races to give the students plenty of practice and a chance to put in place and refine their race strategies.

A few new schools participated this year showing a growth in waka ama and our novice steerers got to experience some waka surfing which will certainly add to their kete of knowledge.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out this weekend in particular the waka ama clubs who provided waka (W6) and paddled them over to the venue. Along with key volunteers who regularly give their support to run events, parents and spectators supporting their schools provided some relief. To fully understand this sport getting involved on race day really gives you an insight and provides a connection to the waka ama experience.

Best wishes and safe travels to all those representing their schools at National Waka ama Sprints in  Rotorua 19-22 March 2013!

Nga mihi nui
Chris Fox on behalf of RSS Organising Committee

Hoe Tonga Secondary Schools Waka Ama Sprint Champs, 9 March 2013

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Welcome to Hoe Tonga Secondary School Waka ama Sprint Champs 2013 supported by Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka ama Association and College Sport Wellington.

Things you need to know for Saturday!

Looking forward to one of the biggest events in our region……..Waka ama the fastest growing sport in Aotearoa

Want further information? Please contact the Race Organisers: hoetonga@gmail.com

Coaching opportunity

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Coaches wanted for Waka Ama National Secondary teams for Te Kura Maori o Porirua, Porirua. Please register your expression of interest by Thursday the 7th of February. Coaching fees and training times will be confirmed with the successful applicant. We encourage EVERYONE who has an interest in coaching to apply. Please email your CV and a cover letter to sophie@kura-porirua.school.nz