Whanganui Outriggers welcome newcomers to Open Day

Howard Hyland will give tips to newcomers and anyone interested in trying out the sport.

The Whanganui River Outrigger (Waka Ama) Canoe Club, located on Taupo Quay, will be organising a series of 'Have-A-Go' days, starting at 9am on September 1.

Weather permitting, the 'Have-A-Go' series will be held at the same time each Saturday during September.

It will be an opportunity to experience paddling an outrigger, or waka ama, canoe on the Whanganui River.

Long-time paddler Howard Hyland, who recently won both a gold and silver medal at the 2018 IVF World Sprint Championships in Tahiti with the Parihaka Kotuku club, will be on hand to provide safety and coaching support.

All equipment including lifejackets and paddles will be supplied.

Each session will require paddling the waka a short distance towards the Saturday markets on Taupo Quay and back.

It is open for males and females of all ages, with children under 10-years-old requiring a parent or guardian and signing a consent form. It costs $2 to enter and includes a free sausage sizzle.

Registrations will be located from 9am on the Saturdays between the Union Rowing Club and the Whanganui River Outrigger Canoe Clubhouse on Taupo Quay.