Ngakau Toa Vaka’s junior paddlers returned from the Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta with a strong medal haul. NTV/26101636
Ngakau Toa Vaka’s junior paddlers have returned from the Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta with a strong medal haul and valuable international racing experience after three days of competition on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
The event brought together junior paddlers aged 10 to 19, with strong competition from Australian clubs whose junior programmes continue to develop. Many competitors had also recently returned from the World Sprints Championships in Singapore.
Coach Vaea Melvin said the team made an impressive start, securing four medals on the opening day in the V6 1000-metre turns events.
The J16 girls claimed third place, while the J16 boys, J16 mixed and J19 girls teams each secured second place.
Day two saw the paddlers compete in individual V1 racing, testing their skills against large fields and gaining valuable experience on the water.
In the J12 girls division, Reihani Gardiner progressed through the heats, gaining valuable racing experience. Gardiner and Vivian Kora Karika advanced to the repechage round in the J14 division.
In the J16 boys division, Kora Karika and Joseph Tangaroa progressed through the repechage to reach the final, with Tangaroa finishing an impressive fourth overall.
The final day featured 500-metre sprint racing, with the team adding three more medals to its tally. The J16 women and J16 mixed teams both finished third, while the J19 women secured second place.
In the J18 division, Gabriel Fatiaki and Jonathan File represented Ngakau Toa Vaka and the Cook Islands against strong competition, including paddlers who had recently competed at the World Sprints Championships in Singapore.
For junior paddler Isabelle Dun, the regatta provided an opportunity to test her skills against unfamiliar competitors and broaden her experience in the sport.
“Gubbi Gubbi was a great experience, as I could put my skills to the test against different teams I’d never versed before,” Dun said. “It felt surreal to paddle in a different country and carved a path for me in my journey of this sport. I also loved to meet new paddlers and would definitely compete again if I had another opportunity.”
Melvin praised the juniors for their commitment throughout the campaign, including their preparation, training on and off the water, and fundraising efforts to make the trip possible.
Ngau Toa Vaka also acknowledged the support of its coaches, parents, organisers, sponsors, the paddling community and everyone who contributed to the journey.
The experience provided the young paddlers with valuable international exposure as they continue to develop their skills and prepare for future competitions.