The paddlers include 38 young people, most of them with an accompanying adult. Children have to be 12 and over to do the trip, and the aim is for a 1:1 ratio of youth to adults - "Don't send your kids - bring them".
There are two kaumatua (elders) aboard this year, in a waka with the most experienced steerers.
"We look after our kaumatua," Mr Potaka said.
The river tribes have held wananga for waka steerers during the last two years, and now have quite a few experienced steerers.
Safety is important, and there are daily briefings. Everyone is expected to wear a life jacket when they are in a waka or swimming.
Accommodation is at marae along the way, with about 40 people travelling by road and meeting the paddlers there. Most marae can't accommodate everyone indoors, and there was a scattering of tents at Koriniti.
One of the nights is at the Conservation Department's John Coull Hut, booked out a year in advance.
Many on the journey, even the young ones, have done it several times before. Some have come from as far away as Australia to rekindle their relationship with the river.
The trip is different each year, because of the different mix of people. This year there were two famous people, brothers Julian Arahanga and Tammy Davis, from Raetihi. They are both actors and directors, and took the opportunity to bring their daughters.
On Thursday afternoon most of the group was listening to speakers at the marae. After that, the men lined up for a haka session on the grass.
Mr Potaka said the trip was about reconnecting with the river and getting to know about yourself.
"It's a good feeling. We have fun, as well as all the serious stuff."