Waka ama
A waka
After Aotearoa New Zealand was settled by the first Polynesian voyagers, waka design and use went through several evolutionary stages. The different trees available here and their huge size meant that waka in this country eventually became single-hulled and did not need an outrigger float, or ama, to keep their hulls upright.
Over hundreds of years, waka ama went into decline in Aotearoa. During the 20th century, Māori travelling to Pacific islands such as Hawaiki and Tahiti observed the continuing tradition of waka ama racing. In the mid-1980s, waka ama began to be revived here. Hosting the world championships in Aotearoa in 1990 rekindled interest, and the sport has grown. Many people from different cultures now share in this special part of the history and traditions of their ancestors.
As participation has grown, so too has the need to address safety and wellbeing.
Maritime NZ and groups such as Ngā Waka Federation have forged relationships that have enabled the development of rules to help paddlers in Aotearoa use waka ama safely.
The basics
Before paddlers (kaihoe) and skipper (kaihautū) head out on a Waka ama, they should check out the following resources and guides.
Know the Waka ama safety basics
Wear a correctly sized lifejacket
Take the right lifejacket for each person on board and wear it.
Carry emergency communication devices
Carry at least two communication devices that will work when wet.
Know your survival techniques
Learn survival techniques and precautions if you end up in the water.
Know your responsibilities as a skipper or kaihautū
A skipper (kaihautū) must be designated before every voyage. If no skipper is designated, the person steering the waka ama is considered the skipper.
The skipper (kaihautū) is responsible for assessing risks to the waka ama and crew. They must:
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know the crew member’s paddling and swimming ability, including any medical conditions
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tell someone on shore about the crew’s paddling plan
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check that all paddlers have the right gear:
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spray skirt if conditions require it
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clothing appropriate for the conditions
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understand and check weather forecasts and local conditions.
You are also legally responsible if there is an incident.