Waka Ama

On Tuesday we were started our Waka Ama programme.  We are very fortunate to have Rob Cameron (one of our awesome local police officers) tutoring the students.

We started the morning with Rob telling the students the names of the parts of the waka and what they meant.  For example the name Waka is the male part of the vessel and Ama is the female part. We were also taught how to get in and out of the Waka and parts we could not step over.  

Rob then demonstrated the correct technique for paddling. 

After carrying the Waka down to the water the girls were keen to be first.  Some of them had paddled in the Waka previously, for others it was a completely new experience.  I was really impressed by the way the more experienced girls supported the new girls and the amount of time they took out of the water to encourage those new to this activity to have another go and demonstrate the correct technique.

All of the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to our weekly Waka Ama training.