Resources for paddlers
Something for everyone. It’s all about being informed, keeping us safe, having a great time on the water and generally getting lots of “Vitamin Sea”.
Steerers, Marine, Weather & Tides
Steering
Documents and links for steerers:
Marine, weather & tides
Tides: metservice.com/marine/tides/nelson
Weather: metservice.com/towns-cities/nelson
Coastal warnings: metservice.com/marine/coastal/abel
Port webcams: portnelson.co.nz/operations/webcams/
Port conditions: portnelson.co.nz/community/harbour-conditions/
Port movements: portnelson.co.nz/port-users/shipping-schedule/
Karakia
Our karakia
We say Karakia at the start and end of each paddle to ensure our Tupuna (ancestors) give protection, wisdom and strength to all those involved. Respect also underpins everything we do in our sport – respect for our waka, respect for each other and for the surroundings we are blessed to train and compete in.
Download the words to our karakia
Listen to the karakia for pronunciation
Waka paddles & gear
Choosing the right paddle
Once you have been paddling for a while it is advisable to buy your own paddle. There is nothing worse than coming to a race and finding your favourite club paddle is already gone!
There are a variety of paddles on the market. Talk to other paddlers in the club and see if they might let you try out their favourite hoe.
Choosing your paddle length
This video from Kialoa paddles describes how to measure the right length of paddle.
https://kialoa.com/pages/choosing-an-outrigger-paddle
Paddling Technique
It is really important to use good technique. Technique will differ from crew to crew or club to club. If you are in a crew it is important that you are all getting your paddles out together and in together and doing the same thing. Different types of races require different techniques. You can find lots of technique videos on Youtube.
Parts of the Stroke
- Setup
- Catch/Entry
- Power
- Exit
- Return
General gear - our locals
- Moana SUP for lifejackets, leg leashes, clothes and more
- Burnsco
- Big Blue Dive & Fish (boots & gloves)
Other suppliers
- Kialoa Paddles from Rob Smith @ wakapaddle.co.nz
- Tai Paddles from Conan and Lana @ taipaddles.co.nz
- Viper blades from Paddling Addiction paddlingaddiction@gmail.com
- moananui.co.nz
- mauikanu.co.nz
Single waka
There are a variety of suppliers for OC1 (ruddered) and V1 (unruddered) waka. Have a chat to to people who own singles (there are a growing number in Nelson).
V1 Va’a, OC1 and OC2
- OutriggerZone Paul Wilford (Ocean Elements) in Auckland is the contact for the Hawaiian style outrigger canoes and Fai 4.
- Moana Nui, Tutukaka, have New Zealand made one and two man waka.
Its never too early or too late to start paddling waka ama
We welcome new members to the Maitahi Outrigger Canoe Club. Maitahi has social and racing waka ama crews catering for a wide variety of ages and abilities.