Vector Wero / Tamaki Paddle Sports KiwiSport Programme Up & Running

Last Saturday (30th March), the Tamaki Paddlesports Club once again threw open the doors of the Vector Wero Whitewater Park to a group of novices for a “come and try it day”. Utilising the expertise of committee member and School Sports Coordinator, Tehuinga Sun, the Club worked across 6 South and Central Auckland schools to attract 20 youngsters to the Park, for an introductory on-water session with coaches Theo Pepper and Shaun Pearce. According to Shaun “the kids were on the water for around 75 minutes and all thoroughly enjoyed the session, with the majority fairly useful in turning their hands to paddling”.

Seven of the 20 will be invited back to take part in a broader development programme, organised by Vector Wero operators Second Nature Trust and funded by KiwiSport Auckland, to introduce 1,200 youngsters from Central and South Auckland to kayaking during the year, and progressing 20 on to a 20-week Paddle Passport programme run by the Tamaki Club.

We thank also the Oceania Canoe Association for helping fund the Club’s coaching in search of Oceania canoeing development, and Linda Dunn for excellent photography. Tehuinga’s daughter, Gabi Lolohea  - victor at AIMS Games last year – is already a product of the Club’s schools programme.

Article added: Friday 05 April 2019