Waka ama
A Waka Ama (also known as an “outrigger canoe” or OC for short) consists of a hull with one or more outrigger ama, rigged out to the side for stability and lashed to the hull with two kiato. The hull has a sealed bow (ihu) bulkheads and stern (kei) bulkheads.
Our club waka
The Club currently owns 10 waka ama: four W6, one V3, two OC2, three OC1 and one V1. We also have a waka trailer, hoe (paddles), life jackets, neopren booties and safety gear. If you paddle regularly, we encourage you to buy your own hoe.
We are very fortunate to have had the wisdom and generosity of two experiences paddlers from Hawaii: Pam and Bill Monahan. They have encouraged and trained paddlers many years and were instrumental in setting up the Motueka Waka Ama Club (MWAC). They also gifted two waka ama to the Club: Te Waka Tutu and Piwaiwaka. Through the generous and ongoing support of Whakatu Inc. and the Kaiteretere Recreation Reserve Board we were able to purchase additional waka and equipment.
Taking out Waka
OC1 & OC2
(at Dummy Bay)
The Club owns three OC1 and two OC2.
After you have been out paddling a few times, and have gained some skills, confidence and also a good understanding of water safety and how to care for the waka, you might want to take out the OC1 or OC2 waka for a paddle.
Important: Before you take out an OC1, or OC2, you need to have a safety and care session with an experienced paddler. Ask your steerer during a Social paddle or a Training if they can help you find someone to do this with you. Because there are limited numbers of waka and because of health & safety regulations, please contact us before you take one of the Club waka out on your own for the first time.
V3
(at Kaiteretere Beach)
The V3 is treated like an OC6 and can only be taken out with an experienced steerer.
OC6
(at Kaiteretere Beach)
Our 6-seater waka can only be taken out with an experienced steerer. We currently have four OC6s.
What you need to bring
It depends on the season. In summer, on a hot day, T-shirt and shorts are usually fine. Togs underneath are a good idea to be well prepared for an impromptu or deliberate swim - we sometimes land at one of the golden beaches around Kaiteretere and enjoy a sunny break.
In winter, please do not wear cotton. You may need a few layers of merino, a warm hat, thermal leggings, gloves, neoprene booties (you can borrow some from the Club). Even if you don’t end up in the water (mostly you won’t), the wind chill can be very cold. It’s a good idea, especially in winter, to have a few warm extra layers in your car.
A towel and a bottle of water are always good things to take, too.
What we provide
We provide the waka, life jackets, neoprene booties, waka paddles, medical kits, guidance on how to paddle. Once you decide to come on a regular basis, we encourage you to become a Club member. Once you are a MWAC member you can join our (closed group) Facebook Page to get updates around Social Paddles, cancellations, upcoming events or other important information.