Tahuri Waka
This week has been an exciting and action-packed time for our rangatahi as we took them to the Hokitika pool to practice flipping the waka. The energy was high as many of our youth came together, eager to sharpen their skills and gain confidence on the water.
The pool session focused on capsize drills, which are essential for safety and teamwork when out on the awa or moana. Learning how to handle a waka capsize requires quick thinking, communication, and trust among the crew members. For many of our young paddlers, it was their first time experiencing this type of challenge, and they rose to the occasion with enthusiasm and determination.
One of the highlights of the session was seeing how naturally our rangatahi took to supporting one another. As the waka flipped and the crew members went into the water, the first instinct of everyone was to check on their teammates and work together to right the waka. The teamwork displayed was heartwarming, showcasing the sense of whanaungatanga that continues to grow within our group.
The pool environment provided a safe space for them to test their limits, build resilience, and develop a deeper connection to the waka. Flipping a waka isn’t just a physical skill—it’s also about maintaining calm under pressure and fostering a strong collective mindset. It was great to see rangatahi encouraging one another, giving tips, and laughing through the challenging moments.
After a few rounds of practice, our rangatahi began to improve significantly, flipping and righting the waka more smoothly each time. The confidence that grew over the session was evident, and it’s clear that they’re becoming more comfortable in their roles as paddlers and leaders.
These practical, hands-on experiences are what build the skills needed not just for waka ama but for life. As we prepare for future races and adventures, it’s important to know that our rangatahi are well-equipped with both the technical abilities and the right attitude. Watching them grow and develop as a team is incredibly rewarding.
We’re looking forward to more training sessions and seeing how our rangatahi continue to thrive on this journey. The support from our community, kaimahi, and whānau has been amazing, and it’s clear that this kaupapa is building more than just paddling skills—it’s creating lifelong connections and strengthening the future of our people.
Ka mau te wehi, e te whānau! We’ll see you at the next practice as we keep pushing forward together.