Northland waka crews collect medals

Northland waka ama teams collected medals at this year's long distance nationals.
Gusty winds forced a course change for this year's nationals held in Whakatane at the weekend.
Almost 50 waka ama crews and 400 competitors contested this year's nationals, starting at the Whakatane Heads.
Originally, the 28km course was around Whale Island, however organisers changed the course to run up the coast to Thornton and return.
Event organiser Howard Hyland said on Sunday morning when the waka hit the water, the conditions were perfect.
However, within 30 minutes of the women's single race getting under way, the wind had picked up "considerably" so it was decided to call off the final races.
Paddlers unable to cope with the high winds headed for land, while others were picked up by support boats and the Whakatane Coastguard.
Those able to cope with the conditions went on to finish.
Waka are not directed with a rudder.
"The wind came up to a level where people were unable to compete," he said.
"Earlier in the morning the conditions were pristine."
Two people were taken to hospital - one with mild hypothermia the other with an "aggravating" injury from a previous sports injury.
"Caution rather than valour was most important," he said.
However, most of the races were run on Saturday - when conditions were "absolutely brilliant", Hyland said.
The master women's division was dominated by Northland crews with all three top spots filled by northerners.
 
 
RESULTS:
Open Women W6 29km: The Manu'z & Jemima'z Te Rau Oranga o Ngatikahungungu 2.29.10, OW Porirua Canoe Kayak Club Toa Waka Ama 2.34.07, Maioha Akarana 2.39.12.

Masters Women
W6 29km: Dial up Doll's Nga Hoe Horo 2.32.07, Parihaka Pirates ParihakaSports Club 2.32.45, Mitamitaga Ole Pasefika Vaa'alo Canoe Club 2.37.02.

Open Men W6
29km: Team Pineula Portage Crossing 2.25.34, Team Goodyear Hei Matau 2.26.43, Herberts on Tour Nga Hoe Horo 2.31.27.

Master Men W6
29km: Vaka Manu Master Manukau Outrigger 2.29.46, Team Weldwell Haeata Ocean Sports 2.33.25, The Goodyears Hei Matau 2.42.10.

Snr Master Men W6 29km: Taniwha Grizzlies Gold Taniwha Outrigger Canoe Club 2.35.50, SM Law and Disorder Nga Hoe Horo 2.50.34, Vaka Manu Senior Manukau Outrigger 2.50.54