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The largest event in the world of Aotearoa waka ama (New Zealand canoe racing) is on its way.
Starting Sunday, January 14, thousands of competitors from clubs across the country will gather at Karāpiro. They will race for seven days in 12 different divisions, ranging from six-year-olds to the Master 80 division.
Whakaata Māori is once again the official broadcaster of the 2024 Waka Ama National Sprint Championships. The races will be aired live from 9am Monday, January 15 on Whakaata Māori and MĀORI+.
Competitors will race over 250m, 500m, 1000m, and 1500m distances. There will be races for single paddlers, teams of six, and teams of twelve.
The first three days of the event will feature young competitors aged 6-16 years old. There will be finals each day, with the main finals on Saturday, January 20. The highly competitive corporate challenge races will take place on Friday, January 19.
Paddlers in the J16 Divisions and above will also be vying for spots on the Aotearoa team for the IVF Va’a World Club Sprint Championships in Hilo, Hawaii later in the year.
The National Waka Ama Sprint Championships have been held annually since 1990, with the exception of 2022. The first event saw 43 teams from 17 clubs compete.
More than 10,000 spectators are expected throughout the week, adding to the excitement. Dozens of vendors and service providers will be on hand, offering everything from food to sportswear.
