Paddlers in the 2024 Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals. Photo: supplied
The Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals
Thursday April 24th Sunday 27th
Porirua, Wellington.
A crew of more than 1000 paddlers will be on Wellington waters this week as they chase a spot in the world champs in Brazil later this year.
The Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals will bring 1050 paddlers from 59 clubs across Aotearoa to Ngāti Toa Domain with racing taking place on the waters of Pari-ā-Rua (Porirua).
The meet doubles as a qualifying event for the upcoming 2025 International Va'a Federation World Distance Championship to be held in Brazil in August.
Waka Ama NZ CEO, Lara Collins said Porirua acts as a prime paddling spot.
"Our Long Distance Nationals changes location annually, offering our distance paddlers an opportunity to paddler all across Aotearoa in some great locations", says
Paddlers will take to the waters and compete on a circuit race course completing distances of 8km, 16km, or 24km depending on their respective divisions.
The event includes paddlers from J16 up to Master 75, inclusive of adaptive paddlers.
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