Paul Marshall-Slade became involved in Waka Ama (Outrigger Canoeing Back then) by supporting Kris Kjeldsen - when Kris became obsessed with starting Outrigger Canoeing in Aotearoa.

At the time Paul was a commercial artist and carver - Paul was the only one in Pawarenga with a Legal Truck big enough to tow all the Outriggers - so he became the official Outrigger Towing person - over the years Paul designed the distinctive t-shirts for Nga Hoe Horo Canoe Club o Pawarenga which are still used to this day - The Nga Hoe Horo shirts have a meaningful story around the print and is still held in esteem by the current NHH paddling generation - other club t-shirt designs still in use are the Mitimitaga Ole Pasifica design - other clubs came and went and now their original shirt designs are all Collector shirts - Tawhirimatea, Owhiuwa, Orcas and the Tai Tokerau Design. He also designed and printed the official t-shirts for the World Sprints in Okahu Bay 1990 and other early regattas including the 1990 Inaugural Nationals.

Paul was actively involved in paddling with Nga Hoe Horo and also attended the 1988 World Sprints in an open team with Kris Kjeldsen, Bo Herbert, Jean Tetohu, and Maui Kjeldsen who was 12 years old at the time and Peter Irwin - Jean who was 21 at the time was mercilessly teased by his Tahitian Country men for paddling with grey beards and babies. Paul won a team bronze at the 1990 World Sprints in the W12 in a mixed team with Tarawera Masters and Nga Hoe Horo Masters - Paul is a Life Member and Patron (Saint) of Nga Hoe Horo and for 27 year his wife Louise has been the NHH Treasurer.

Paul endorses as he always has that Waka Ama is a way of life and a great involvement for youth for both fitness and character building. Paul continues to support our 3rd generation Nga Hoe Horo Youth.

(Paul Marshall-Slade History Summary by Nga Hoe Horo)