Outrigger canoeing: They're paddling with a purpose

Don't let the festive atmosphere at the Waka Ama World Sprint Champs fool you - competitors have come here to win.

At stake at the event, held every two years, and for the first time in New Zealand, at Lake Karapiro, is the chance to be the best outrigger-canoe paddlers in the world.

More than 1900 competitors, from 24 countries will hit the water in races which run until Saturday.

More than 5000 people yesterday enjoyed the racing and took in the smooth Pacific sounds and flavours on display at the lake's edge. Laughter and calls of support and cheering echoed among the thousands in and around the large white tents shielding competitors and supporters from the bright autumn sun.

Lousie Henderson is an organiser for the almost 400-strong New Zealand side competing at the event.

For the Auckland woman, there is one team in the sights of New Zealand competitors - Tahiti.

"Tahiti are a very strong rival. Waka Ama to Tahitians is like the All Blacks to New Zealand."

Mrs Henderson said the New Zealand team had been training for almost a year to ensure they are at their best for this year's event.

"For Tahiti this is their main event, they are backed by their Government. We must raise funding ourselves."

Tahitian spokeswoman Marie-Christine Alintz said she was aware the New Zealand team were eager to topple the recognised world champions.

"The New Zealand team is very strong, they have been practising for a year. Our training has only been for the last 3 months."

Ms Alintz said paddling on a lake might also disrupt some international paddlers more accustomed to ocean conditions.

However, she remained quietly confident of the chances of the 150-strong Tahitian team.

"We are confident, but we have a saying in Tahiti; 'Never buy a fish before it has been caught'."

Event organiser Maggie Greening said it had been the largest gathering in the event's history.

She was impressed by the diversity at this year's event, with an almost even mix of Polynesian, Maori and Pakeha competitors.

Ms Greening said the age of paddlers ranged from a 13-year-old Tahitian, to Hugh Town, 76, from Canada.

Town is competing in the Grand Masters races.

Speaking after his race, Town said it was a pleasure to take part.

"I came last but it was very close."

He said he was enjoying the atmosphere and location of this year's competitions.

"I have always been involved in canoeing and am glad to be here. I have been around the world but this is the first time I have been to New Zealand.

"When this is over I will take some time to see the country."


Waka Ama World Sprint Champs

What: Outrigger canoe races
Where: Lake Karapiro
When: To March 25
Who: 1900 competitors from 24 countries, including Australia, Tahiti, Canada, Italy, USA, Fiji and Japan.