Hei Matau Paddlers chasing medals at Tahiti International Va'a Federation World Champs

Koutu-based Waka Ama Club Hei Matau Paddlers. Photo/Supplied

Koutu-based Waka Ama Club Hei Matau Paddlers have secured several medals at the International Va'a Federation World Championships taking place in Tahiti.

The club has had great success with numerous medals from paddlers representing the club, but also paddlers who have trained with the club previously and are paddling in other clubs.

For many paddlers, the event is the culmination of four years or more of focused and intensive training.

ASB Good as Gold recipient Ray Timihou and his partner Kelley Korau are in Tahiti with their club as well as parents and supporters, with many parents and whānau in Rotorua glued to live stream footage each day.

"We want to mihi to the other clubs from home, Te Au Rere and Ruamata, who, along with us, have represented Rotorua and Aotearoa really well at the event," Korau said.

Koutu-based Waka Ama Club Hei Matau Paddlers. Photo/Supplied

There are still opportunities for more medals to come over the last few days of racing.

Some of the club's success
Khobi Paretoa, Bronze J16 V1 500m
Makayla Timoti, Silver J19 V1 500m, Silver J19 V12 500m (with Te Paerangi), Gold Elite Junior Women - 500m, 1000m, W12 500m
Katarina Haverkamp Gold J19 V12 500m (with Horouta Waka Hoe)
HMP Pineapple, Lumps Silver J16 V12 500m (with Vaka Manu)
HMP Puhi Kaiariki, Gold J16 V12 500m (with Horouta Waka Hoe)
Maylene Papuni, Bronze, Master 40 Women, V1 500m
Tui McCaull, Silver Master 40 Women, V1 500m
Manaaki Te Kowhai, Bronze Open Men, V12 500m (Wooley Kumara - Horouta Waka Ama)
Rehua Selwyn, Silver Elite Junior Men, V6 500m