Girls on their way to the finish line. Photo / File
The sun came out and the crowd was buzzing yesterday for the final day of Secondary School Waka Ama Nationals.
Over four days, 123 schools and 206 races equated to almost 2000 paddlers and more than 200 volunteers.
Te Kura Māori o Porirua were awarded the Putu Mihaka memorial trophy for outstanding manaaki, awhi (support) and overall positive attitude throughout the event.
Event co-ordinator Kelley Korau said she was lost to words as this year ran so smoothly.
"We had amazing staff, volunteers, and the rangatahi just blew me away. They were strong, keen, and happy.
"I feel so proud of us all, we've all worked hard, and it's really paid off."
Though the National Secondary Schools Waka Ama Champs have come to a close, the Rotorua Waka Festival continues.
Later today a W6 circumnavigation - 'Hoea Ki Mokoia' - of Mokoia Island will take place in Lake Rotorua.
U16 Boys - W6 250m Bowl Final
1st Rotorua Boys' High School 1:04.47
4th Rotorua Boys' High School 1:10.02
6th John Paul College 1:12.17
DQ Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu
U16 Girls - W6 250m Bowl Final
11th Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata 1:19.34
U19 Boys - W6 250m Bowl Final
4th Te Wharekura o Ngti Rongomai 1:10.76
U16 Girls - W6 250m Plate Final
6th Western Heights High School 1:16.67
DQ Rotorua Girls' High School 1:17.69
U16 Boys - W6 250m Plate Final
2nd Rotorua Lakes High School 1:03.05
5th Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata 1:03.95
8th Rotorua Boys' High School 1:04.30
U19 Girls - W6 250m Plate Final
6th Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata 1:08.94
U16 Boys - W6 250m Champ Final
6th Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata 0:59.57
U19 Girls - W6 250m Champ Final
8th Rotorua Girls' High School 1:05.10
9th John Paul College 1:05.29
U19 Boys - W6 250m Champ Final
4th Rotorua Boys' High School 0:54.28
U16 Girls - W6 500m Bowl Final
DQ Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata 2:57.93
U16 Boys - W6 500m Bowl Final
5th Rotorua Boys' High School 2:44.25
7th Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata 2:44.63
DQ John Paul College 2:54.89
U19 Boys - W6 500m Bowl Final
5th Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata 2:37.56
U19 Girls - W6 500m Plate Final
5th John Paul College 2:46.74
U19 Boys - W6 500m Plate Final
DQ Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu 2:31.58
U19 Girls - W6 500m Champ Final
5th Rotorua Girls' High School 2:32.91
U19 Boys - W6 500m Champ Final
5th Rotorua Boys' High School 2:15.09
Click here for a full list of results
The Tauranga youngster has a sweet plan for his prize money.