Mangakino will host one of the biggest waka ama events staged in the Bay of Plenty, as local paddlers look to qualify for the national championships.
The Te Puku O Te Ika Regional Sprint Regatta will be held this weekend at Lake Maraetai near Mangakino.
Single paddlers will have the chance to qualify for the national championships in January during the event tomorrow. Almost 300 single paddlers have entered.
Meanwhile, almost 1000 paddlers will compete in the popular six-person team races on Sunday.
Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association president Wairangi Jones said 20 clubs were entered this year.