Featured paddlers
audrey wikiriwhi - TANIWHA OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB - 2021
I have paddled Dragonboat and Waka since the early 1990’s – still learning and embracing the culture behind both.
This paddling journey has taken me all over Aotearoa and the world, to places I would never have dreamed I would be, meeting and learning from wonderful people.
I love the connection with the water and that you can become part of the flow. A bit ironic given my early experience with water as a kid was one of near drowning. I’m probably more of an holistic paddler. When I set a goal then you will get all of me giving my very best.
Takapuna Beach Cup is the dream turned reality for our long time Taniwha paddler Ken Gilbert, and now we get to live this dream every time TBC is run. My first Takapuna Beach Cup was the second one held. I had gone to Vaka Eiva and come back all excited ready to leap into this event (literally). Changes racing is such a fun race. I am still perfecting my changes but get into the waka we all did and we had a great race.
It was the start of a long relationship with this event. I’ve only missed 1 Saturday I think since 2008 and have been in the Sunday relay since 2009. Paddling most of these but also coaching teams to their first foray into the event and running the changes from the support boat. The Sunday event has become a Jack and Jill race for me and my husband Eru – a chance to share this sport we both love.
My favourite memory – as a coach it would be the faces of paddlers who weren’t sure they could even complete this event and then watching them back on the beach to tautoko teams still coming in. My favourite memory – as a paddler would be my first OC1 relay. I was dog last, they were collecting in the buoys and my relay buddy Chub was on the beach to grab my arm and run with me up the beach - that is the Takapuna Beach Cup – Whanaungatanga and Aroha!
What I love most about TBC is the coming together of the waka whanau from near and far. Reconnecting with our waka whanau from overseas and all over Aotearoa. Challenging ourselves with the variety of events on offer. Creating new friendships, reigniting old and the banter of our competitiveness that reminds me – this is a race!
We are blessed to exist i roto i nga korowai o manaakitanga me rangimarie.
Nga mihi and see you all in 2022!!
Audz
This paddling journey has taken me all over Aotearoa and the world, to places I would never have dreamed I would be, meeting and learning from wonderful people.
I love the connection with the water and that you can become part of the flow. A bit ironic given my early experience with water as a kid was one of near drowning. I’m probably more of an holistic paddler. When I set a goal then you will get all of me giving my very best.
Takapuna Beach Cup is the dream turned reality for our long time Taniwha paddler Ken Gilbert, and now we get to live this dream every time TBC is run. My first Takapuna Beach Cup was the second one held. I had gone to Vaka Eiva and come back all excited ready to leap into this event (literally). Changes racing is such a fun race. I am still perfecting my changes but get into the waka we all did and we had a great race.
It was the start of a long relationship with this event. I’ve only missed 1 Saturday I think since 2008 and have been in the Sunday relay since 2009. Paddling most of these but also coaching teams to their first foray into the event and running the changes from the support boat. The Sunday event has become a Jack and Jill race for me and my husband Eru – a chance to share this sport we both love.
My favourite memory – as a coach it would be the faces of paddlers who weren’t sure they could even complete this event and then watching them back on the beach to tautoko teams still coming in. My favourite memory – as a paddler would be my first OC1 relay. I was dog last, they were collecting in the buoys and my relay buddy Chub was on the beach to grab my arm and run with me up the beach - that is the Takapuna Beach Cup – Whanaungatanga and Aroha!
What I love most about TBC is the coming together of the waka whanau from near and far. Reconnecting with our waka whanau from overseas and all over Aotearoa. Challenging ourselves with the variety of events on offer. Creating new friendships, reigniting old and the banter of our competitiveness that reminds me – this is a race!
We are blessed to exist i roto i nga korowai o manaakitanga me rangimarie.
Nga mihi and see you all in 2022!!
Audz
Mike weiss - Taniwha outrigger canoe club - 2020
The Takapuna Beach Cup (TBC) is a special event, I love the fact that we showcase the majestic Rangitoto and sparkling gulf to our visitors who come to enjoy changing and challenging waters.
It was only the second TBC when I became involved in waka ama and I didn’t race that year. I was a full-time volunteer doing the beach setup and working hard to help everything run smoothly. As a result I always feel privileged to paddle in the TBC races because I appreciate how much effort goes into making the event a success.
The 42km changes race is the highlight of my racing calendar, it’s a big hairy and challenging quest and one that requires all your courage, team work and fighting spirit to win. This is why I am so devoted to outrigger paddling, despite the fact that I only picked up a paddle late in life, the combination of a relentless focus on technique, competing in a team, against the elements and tough competition is so compelling.
In teams I have been lucky enough to come away with a few golds, and a TBC gold medal is much cherished because they never come easy.
More recently, I have been focussing on single ocean paddling - I still have lots to learn, W1 is the epitome of the sport; it's demanding and the competition in my age group is impressive, and I just love being out there. I will be competing again this year in the 42km Changes race and the iconic relay on Sunday…
It was only the second TBC when I became involved in waka ama and I didn’t race that year. I was a full-time volunteer doing the beach setup and working hard to help everything run smoothly. As a result I always feel privileged to paddle in the TBC races because I appreciate how much effort goes into making the event a success.
The 42km changes race is the highlight of my racing calendar, it’s a big hairy and challenging quest and one that requires all your courage, team work and fighting spirit to win. This is why I am so devoted to outrigger paddling, despite the fact that I only picked up a paddle late in life, the combination of a relentless focus on technique, competing in a team, against the elements and tough competition is so compelling.
In teams I have been lucky enough to come away with a few golds, and a TBC gold medal is much cherished because they never come easy.
More recently, I have been focussing on single ocean paddling - I still have lots to learn, W1 is the epitome of the sport; it's demanding and the competition in my age group is impressive, and I just love being out there. I will be competing again this year in the 42km Changes race and the iconic relay on Sunday…
Ngaire Pehi - Parihaka waka ama - 2019
I have to confess that on my very first paddle I thought ‘what’s all the fuss about’? It was in the river, and I’m sure there were only three of us actually trying to paddle the w6. Richard (my husband) was only along for the sightseeing it seemed.
The second time was on the same river and it felt slightly better.
The third time I started to feel like I was actually pulling water, I was intrigued and wanted to learn. How do you get the waka to move? That was at the end of 2007, we trained all through 2008 and I competed in my first sprint nationals in 2009.
My first time racing Takapuna Beach Cup was with Mitimitanga, I think it was 2010. One of their paddlers got sick or injured at the last minute and they were desperate for someone to fill in. I gladly said yes. During the race I had to stop paddling about ¾ of the way through. My forearm locked up – because of my nerves I had been gripping my paddle so hard. So I was on the support boat for the last leg and I will always remember the team paddling to the finish line when Whaea Hilda Harawira performed a karanga to the team. That profound and powerful experience will stay with me always.
The next year I paddled with a crew training for a race in Hawaii. I was so anxious about ‘pulling my weight’ and making sure I got into the canoe fast. I had nailed every change so far, and then Rambo came along side us in the camera boat to film our change. I thought ‘oh I’ve got to get this change right’, but I missed my first attempt and ended up hanging vertical in the water. As I hauled myself out of the water my pants came down to my knees. I was not wearing a bikini bottom. My bare white bum was caught on camera and ended up in the footage shown at the prizegiving. Needless to say this is one of my most embarrassing paddling experiences!
Change races are my favourite. Takapuna Beach Cup is definitely my highlight of the Aotearoa race calendar. This year I’m racing with the Ruamata wahine and we’re going to be joined by a few of our Hawaiian paddling mates. We are going to have a blast!
There are so many reasons why I love paddling, I can paddle with my husband, my best friends, my waka whanau, travel the country and the world all while participating in a sport that uplifts me. The saying only a surfer knows the feeling, well that’s true for waka. Only a paddler knows the feeling, the synergy between team members, the waka and the ocean is an intangible mix that’s hard to describe, but when the combination comes together, well it’s bliss.
I’ve been lucky to have competed in Rarotonga, Australia and Hawaii with women’s and mixed crews alongside some of the legends of our sport, all of whom I’ve learnt so much from. I feel blessed to have stumbled into this great sport and I’m blessed every time I race. I’m still learning and loving the journey of paddling. See you on the start line.
The second time was on the same river and it felt slightly better.
The third time I started to feel like I was actually pulling water, I was intrigued and wanted to learn. How do you get the waka to move? That was at the end of 2007, we trained all through 2008 and I competed in my first sprint nationals in 2009.
My first time racing Takapuna Beach Cup was with Mitimitanga, I think it was 2010. One of their paddlers got sick or injured at the last minute and they were desperate for someone to fill in. I gladly said yes. During the race I had to stop paddling about ¾ of the way through. My forearm locked up – because of my nerves I had been gripping my paddle so hard. So I was on the support boat for the last leg and I will always remember the team paddling to the finish line when Whaea Hilda Harawira performed a karanga to the team. That profound and powerful experience will stay with me always.
The next year I paddled with a crew training for a race in Hawaii. I was so anxious about ‘pulling my weight’ and making sure I got into the canoe fast. I had nailed every change so far, and then Rambo came along side us in the camera boat to film our change. I thought ‘oh I’ve got to get this change right’, but I missed my first attempt and ended up hanging vertical in the water. As I hauled myself out of the water my pants came down to my knees. I was not wearing a bikini bottom. My bare white bum was caught on camera and ended up in the footage shown at the prizegiving. Needless to say this is one of my most embarrassing paddling experiences!
Change races are my favourite. Takapuna Beach Cup is definitely my highlight of the Aotearoa race calendar. This year I’m racing with the Ruamata wahine and we’re going to be joined by a few of our Hawaiian paddling mates. We are going to have a blast!
There are so many reasons why I love paddling, I can paddle with my husband, my best friends, my waka whanau, travel the country and the world all while participating in a sport that uplifts me. The saying only a surfer knows the feeling, well that’s true for waka. Only a paddler knows the feeling, the synergy between team members, the waka and the ocean is an intangible mix that’s hard to describe, but when the combination comes together, well it’s bliss.
I’ve been lucky to have competed in Rarotonga, Australia and Hawaii with women’s and mixed crews alongside some of the legends of our sport, all of whom I’ve learnt so much from. I feel blessed to have stumbled into this great sport and I’m blessed every time I race. I’m still learning and loving the journey of paddling. See you on the start line.
Tupuria king - nga hoe horo - 2018
I first started paddling around the age of 7 competing in the mini midget division. In my earlier years it was merely a seasonal thing where I would begin training in the summer with my club for the national sprint championships. The rest of the year I did other sports like rugby.
It all changed about five years ago when I decided to train and compete seriously. With that came a whole bunch of opportunities to race abroad in places like Tahiti which helped me significantly to develop my level of paddling.
I have competed in the Takapuna Beach Cup many times having had podium finishes in both the W6 and W1 relay races. It is an awesome weekend of paddling in one of my favourite paddling locations. It is quite internationally recognised which makes it even more competitive and fun meeting new people.
The thing I love most about paddling is that it is a lifestyle sport. There are rewards for all areas of your well-being whether it be physical, mental, social, and spiritual. This sport is truly one of a kind.
My favourite international races would have to be the Te Aito and Super Aito in Tahiti. These races have the highest W1 participation in the world with anywhere up to 500 in open men division alone. They also have the highest level of paddlers in the world. To me, and to Tahitians, it is the greatest honour to win this race.
My future paddling goals are to continue to improve my performance in international races whilst finishing my Master’s degree which focuses on improving paddling performance. I would like to continue to work in the paddling world and inspire younger paddlers receive the same experiences I have had especially overseas.
It all changed about five years ago when I decided to train and compete seriously. With that came a whole bunch of opportunities to race abroad in places like Tahiti which helped me significantly to develop my level of paddling.
I have competed in the Takapuna Beach Cup many times having had podium finishes in both the W6 and W1 relay races. It is an awesome weekend of paddling in one of my favourite paddling locations. It is quite internationally recognised which makes it even more competitive and fun meeting new people.
The thing I love most about paddling is that it is a lifestyle sport. There are rewards for all areas of your well-being whether it be physical, mental, social, and spiritual. This sport is truly one of a kind.
My favourite international races would have to be the Te Aito and Super Aito in Tahiti. These races have the highest W1 participation in the world with anywhere up to 500 in open men division alone. They also have the highest level of paddlers in the world. To me, and to Tahitians, it is the greatest honour to win this race.
My future paddling goals are to continue to improve my performance in international races whilst finishing my Master’s degree which focuses on improving paddling performance. I would like to continue to work in the paddling world and inspire younger paddlers receive the same experiences I have had especially overseas.
Lance (Bush) Richards - Taniwha outriggers - 2017
Bush in the orange shirt, third from the right
It was in 1993 when I had just finished competing in the World Masters Surf Lifesaving Championships and my brother suggested that we take advantage of our fitness and try out Outrigger Paddling. I did know a little about the Sport as my Nephew had just completed a successful Molokai Crossing with a NZ Crew and knew that my background of Surf Canoe racing would help in making the transition into Waka Ama. Between us we set about rounding up another 10 likely candidates in the 40 yrs. plus category (mainly from Surf Lifesaving backgrounds) and formed a squad.
We joined the Taniwha Club around April 1994 and commenced paddling… at this stage we did not know the ins & outs of Waka Ama Paddling, only had homemade paddles, but we did have 12 self-appointed Captains.. A Team name of Taniwha ‘Grizzlies’ was adopted and a training regime was quickly established but due to work commitments etc. we agreed on 3 mornings per week on Lake Pupuke with a 5:45am start and 23 years later we are still going around and around this same Lake at the same time.
After a couple of months paddling and without having even competed in a race we decided that we would do the Molokai race and 18 months later, October 1995 we found ourselves lining up with around 94 other crews and a 12 foot swell running through the Channel….. 6 hours & 27 mins later we arrived at the finish in 77th place.
I have now been competing for the last 23 years pretty much nonstop and have been very fortunate to have had many overseas trips to events in Hawaii, Australia & Cook Islands. The Molokai Crossing in 1995 ranks as my highlight in Waka Ama due to the fact as Novices we conquered this great race and from this crew there are 3 still paddling today.
For the last 10 years I have been heavily involved in the Takapuna Beach Cup as one of the key organisers and from the dream of our late Ken Gilbert & the visions of Nick Lowes, have seen this event grow from a very humble start of only 19 crews to what we have today. Through the hard work and dedication of many over the years, the support from my Taniwha Club and Team Grizzlies the TBC has grown into a true International Event.
I wish all the paddlers every success for the 2017 TBC and that all stay safe and well.
We joined the Taniwha Club around April 1994 and commenced paddling… at this stage we did not know the ins & outs of Waka Ama Paddling, only had homemade paddles, but we did have 12 self-appointed Captains.. A Team name of Taniwha ‘Grizzlies’ was adopted and a training regime was quickly established but due to work commitments etc. we agreed on 3 mornings per week on Lake Pupuke with a 5:45am start and 23 years later we are still going around and around this same Lake at the same time.
After a couple of months paddling and without having even competed in a race we decided that we would do the Molokai race and 18 months later, October 1995 we found ourselves lining up with around 94 other crews and a 12 foot swell running through the Channel….. 6 hours & 27 mins later we arrived at the finish in 77th place.
I have now been competing for the last 23 years pretty much nonstop and have been very fortunate to have had many overseas trips to events in Hawaii, Australia & Cook Islands. The Molokai Crossing in 1995 ranks as my highlight in Waka Ama due to the fact as Novices we conquered this great race and from this crew there are 3 still paddling today.
For the last 10 years I have been heavily involved in the Takapuna Beach Cup as one of the key organisers and from the dream of our late Ken Gilbert & the visions of Nick Lowes, have seen this event grow from a very humble start of only 19 crews to what we have today. Through the hard work and dedication of many over the years, the support from my Taniwha Club and Team Grizzlies the TBC has grown into a true International Event.
I wish all the paddlers every success for the 2017 TBC and that all stay safe and well.