Paralympics New Zealand grant gets disabled paddlers into waka ama

About 30 disabled paddlers aged between 10 and 50 tried waka ama for the first time at Have-a-Go events in Ōrākei, Auckland, and Lake Taurikura, Tauranga.

The events are supported by a Paralympics New Zealand grant. It will support eight initiatives with a combined $73,000, and more than 1200 people are expected to benefit, including disabled New Zealanders, coaches, whānau, friends and volunteers. The grant received 28 applications.

The Have-a-Go Days can be a powerful catalyst for getting more disabled people into the popular paddling sport, Waka Ama NZ believes.

Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ Whaikaha Lead Natasha Barber said some disabled people were hesitant at first, but getting into the boat built their confidence and gave them a strong sense of belonging.

Barber was at the events with several leading coaches and international para paddlers. Together they supported participants with a diverse range of disabilities.

A third Have-a-Go Day will take place at Kowharewa Bay, Tutukaka, in Northland this November.

Around half of the participants have shown interest in joining a club, according to Barber. After the Tutukaka day, Waka Ama NZ plans to focus on helping clubs build the confidence and capability to welcome disabled paddlers.

Barber said she wants clubs to be ready for disabled members whether they want to paddle socially, compete or aim for high-performance level. Waka Ama NZ is looking at more specialist adaptive training for clubs that is long-term and sustainable.

In Barber’s view, it would be fantastic for every club to have the practical skills and knowledge needed to support disabled paddlers.