"We had more than 30 people take part last year. This year we have three 12-man crews, 12 six-man crews and six in the singles," said club chairman Heramia Taputoro.
"We learnt a lot last year, mainly by the hiding we got," added Taputoro, who will compete in the six-man outriggers and singles next week.
"It was very competitive ... very hard. We didn't win any medals, but then we weren't last either.
"We are taking it seriously this year. Some of our members have been training right through winter and I think we will do better this time."
Another sign of growth in the sport is that the championships, which have been running since 1990, have a sponsor for the first time. New Zealand Post has put its name to an event that runs from Tuesday through to next Saturday and will feature close to 2500 paddlers.
Te Ringa Miti Tai Heke is one of 55 clubs taking part and it is estimated that 10,000 spectators will watch the action on Karapiro.
Competition covers single and six-man waka with outriggers and 12-man double-hulled canoes, with racing over distances from 250 metres to 1500m. With the course only being a 250m straight, hairpin turns will be the order of the day in the longer races.
Waka Ama NZ spokeswoman Lara Collins said there were 200 more competitors this year than last and, at the younger end of the scale, the midgets' (ages 7 to 10) entries had risen to 60 teams.
Last year, for the first time, a points tally was run throughout the championships to find the top club; an accolade that went to Horouta from Gisborne.
Taputoro isn't anticipating Te Ringa Miti Tai Heke taking the national crown just yet, but he isn't too worried.
"The beauty of waka ama is that it is a family event. We have kids, parents and grandparents all going because they'll all be competing," he said.
Te Ringa Miti Tai Heke runs whanau days each Sunday at 2pm from the Putiki boat ramp when anyone can go along and have a go in a waka ama. There's no charge and the opportunity is open to all.
NB: The whanau day will not be held this Sunday because of the national championships.