Please note that Waka Ama NZ has advised a change to the rules regarding W12 teams that are formed between two clubs.

The new policy (see rule 21.7 in the Waka Ama NZ race rules) is as follows:

W12 crews can be made up of competitors from up to two clubs from the same region, but only in the following divisions:

• Midget
• Intermediate
• Senior Master
• Golden Master
• Master 70

This rule only applies where a club does not have sufficient paddlers to form their own, stand-alone, W12 crews in those age categories.
A WT12 crew made up of 2 clubs may be a combination of any number of paddlers from those two clubs. They must satisfy all other rules as specified in the race rule document.

The key change is that this rule now only applies to some divisions, not all. For example, clubs can no longer combine in the Premier division.

If your club wishes to combine with another club in the above divisions, please take note of the following:

• Hoe Tonga has not yet updated its policy, see P5 – Process for regional (inter-club) WT12 entries for National Sprint Champs. However, the same process still applies to the divisions where the above new Waka Ama NZ rule applies.
• The deadline for submitting entries to the Hoe Tonga administrator (hoetonga@gmail.com) is Tuesday, 16 December. 
• For Hoe Tonga to process any entries, they MUST COMPLY with the process as outlined in P5 – Process for regional (inter-club) WT12 entries for National Sprint Champs. If the submission is not complete, it will NOT be processed

Important notice:

1. Racing is scheduled to go ahead tomorrow (Saturday). The weather forecast is very mixed, depending on the source it ranges from calm to 20knots, for both Saturday and Sunday – and it is constantly changing. At this stage, it appears that we will see at least lower wind speeds on Saturday morning, hence why we are pushing ahead (all Intermediate and J16 paddlers are scheduled for 9-12). However, expect that races in a number of divisions may be shortened to 250m.
2.  Please check the lane draw near kayak club entrance tomorrow morning, there have been a few changes. Registration will be either just outside the kayak club entrance, or inside the kayak club (depending on weather).
3. Volunteers: please be there EARLY! As the wind speeds are forecast to be lower in the morning, we would really like to get racing started on time, ie 9am, which means the first paddlers should be heading out at 8.50am. Therefore, if we can have helpers for setting up the marquees and official stations at 6.30am . The support boats we need to have ready to go by 8.15am.
4. Weighing of W1 is scheduled for between 8-9am. Be on time, and get sorted, so that we can get racing under way by 9am.
5. Club reps: please bring any remaining waiver forms for W1 paddlers where relevant waiver forms have not yet been handed in (eg they did not paddle last Saturday in W6).

Ends

Summary

• Venue: Onepoto Domain, Porirua Harbour
• Host: Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association
• Date: 6/7 December 2014
• Reserve days: 13/14 December 2014
• Distance: W1 250/500m; W6 500m/1000m/1500m
• Divisions: Midget to Master 70
• The event is open for paddlers/teams from outside the Wellington region, albeit they are not eligible for prizes.
• Entries closed on Thursday, 27 November. A late fee applies for any late entries.
• Roster closed on Wednesday, 3 December. A late fee applies for any team with an incomplete roster after 3 Dec.

Key documents

• NEW! Race Schedule
• NEW! Lane Draw
• Race information package

View entries

• by event
• by club

Note!

• Criteria and process for W1 qualification and selection for Nationals 2014
• Waiver form
• Entries are to be done online via your club representative (at NKOA’s online system)
• There will be a late fee if an entry is not completed by the deadline, or if the roster has not been completed on time ($10 per entry).
• There are no refunds for entries that chose not to race or show up on race day.
• For information regarding entries for regional (inter-club) W12, see http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/?p=4712. The deadline is Tuesday, 16 December.

Questions? Email hoetonga@gmail.com or call 021-1250997.

Last chance to register for this workshop, by no later than 29th July. Numbers are limited but there are still 6 places left.

If you know of any juniors (preferably 14 years +), attendance is free. For adults, $20 each.

Interested? Please contact Joern on 021-1250997, or joern.scherzer@gmail.com. You need to RSVP by 29 July.

Workshop outline:

When/Where:

• 3 August 2014
• 1-3pm (approximately 2 hours, but have allowed to run over time if needed)
• Wharewaka,  Jervois Quay, Wellington

Approach:

• Interactive presentation and (two-way) discussion, video, and practical demonstration using a rudderless W1
• bring your W1 if you want to try out any learnings after the workshop

Who could find this useful?

• Paddlers interested in improving their rudderless paddling, particularly long distance (ocean, surf)
• Paddlers interested in improving their ability to properly steer a W1 in a range of conditions
• Paddlers interested in getting the little things right (eg proper set up of the W1)

Topics:

• Rigging and set-up (Tools needed, Hull set up, distance hull to ama, ama set up, toe-in?)
• Asymmetric paddling? rudderless W1 vs ruddered OC1
• Forward stroke (Parallel pull, ama/non-ama side, legs)
• Steering (stern push away stroke, J-stroke, power pry / goon stroke, rudder stroke, poke, C stroke, forward sweep, angle of blade at entry, turning at speed (around markers) / low speed, anticipation
• Sprint paddling
• Downwind paddling (sitting up, leaning back, changing sides, bumps, stroke rate)
• Racing strategies & tactics
• Q&A

Here an outline of a workshop on paddling tips and tricks and lessons learnt. Date to be confirmed, but likely 24 August.

Interested? Click here to find out how to take part by pledging $15 on Joern’s Te Aito fundraiser.

Note that those pledging on the rudderless workshop can also attend this workshop as part of that pledge.

Topics:

• training programmes
• technique
• paddling and steering tips for rudderless
• gaining confidence
• commitment
• race tactics and strategies
• recovery
• it’s the little things that matter
• early starts and hot showers

The Great Harbour Challenge waka ama race has been organised to celebrate ‘Matariki’ The Maori New Year.  Hikoikoi Waka ama looks forward to paddlers participating in 2014 event at Oriental Bay on Saturday 7 June 2014.

Open to all waka ama, canoe, surfski, kayak and a course designed for SUP there is something for everyone from the experienced paddler to juniors and those completing their first race. Please direct any enquiries to Event Organiser, Chris Fox at: hikoikoiwakaama@gmail.com or 027 651 5379

Cost $15 per paddler

Online Entries:

• To be done online by your club rep: http://www.wakaama.co.nz/members-area/login.php
• Entries Close: Wed, 4th Jun 2014 at 5:00pm
• Roster Close: Wed, 4th Jun 2014 at 5:00pm
• View Entries by Club
• View Entries by Event
• View Entries Statistics

Documents:

• Draft Programme – GREAT HARBOUR CHALLENGE
• Waiver GREAT HARBOUR CHALLENGE
• Panui 1 Great Harbour Challenge – Matariki 2014

This event is supported with thanks by the organising committee:

• Wellington Tenths Trust
• Palmerston North Maori Reserve
• Wellington City Council
• NZ Post
• Waka ama NZ & Hoe Tonga