V1 Master 60 Men

Name Laurie (Skin) Atkins

Age: 68

Club: Tapara L Waka Trust

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Where did you grow up? Grew up on a farm in Tomarata 

Where do you usually sit in the waka and what do you like about that seat? Any seat in the waka as I just love to be in paddling. My preference is V1 paddling

What is your favourite long distance race in the world and why? Favourite long distance race is Queen Liliuokalani because of the size and I won with a Hawaiian crew and then went on to win the singles 

What would be your number 1 race tip be for a first time long distance paddler? Tip is to stay focused and don't flip out

If you could meet one person in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be? To have met Bruce Lee would have been the ultimate as I have 'modelled' myself around him

Is there anyone you would like to thank who has supported you during this campaign? Dave DeLa Rue got me started and use to be my manager. When first asked to paddle I was a bit hesitant, knowing that if I liked it, I would give my all. After my first paddle I was truely hooked and have hardly missed a training since. The last few years I've trained on my own 'year round' and still get a buzz when I'm heading off. I've got to the top but still thrive to be better 

V1 Master 50 Women

Yvonne Rogers

Age: 52

Club: Ruamata

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Where did you grow up? South Auckland, Papakura

How did you get into paddling and how long have you been paddling for? I was introduced to Waka Ama in Whakatane, I paddled in a Corporate event got hooked and I haven’t stopped paddling.  That was way back in 2003.

Where do you usually sit in the waka and what do you like about that seat? I sit anywhere except the steering seat.  I have lots of experience in seat 1 and 2, I really like 3 for the calling and motivating the team. Seat 5 is always fun even more fun when there is surf to catch.

What is your favourite long distance race in the world and why? I have been very fortunate to do some amazing races with even more amazing women.  My favourite would have to be Nga Wahine o Ke Kai – Molokai to Oahu, because it is mentally and physically challenges you and the team.

What would be your number 1 race tip be for a first time long distance paddler? Being prepared, long distance is not everyone’s cuppa.  Getting out there and do the kilometres, enjoy the time on the water.  It is always rewarding after a good long hard paddle whether, you are in your single or with your mates.

If you could meet one person in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be? My Great Great Great grand father Kamariera Te Hau Takiri  Wharepapa, he had an extraordinary life,  sailing to England and returning to Mangakahia with Elizabeth Ann Reid my Great Great Great Grandmother.

Is there anyone you would like to thank who has supported you during this campaign? I would like to thank my husband Wayne and daughter Te Pumanawa o toku ate for giving me the freedom to train, compete in races throughout Aotearoa, abroad and always there supporting me.  I am forever grateful for all their love and support. 

V1 Master 50 Men

Greg (Aussie) Jones

Age: 50

Club: Akarana/Pineula

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Where did you grow up? Tasmania Australia, Switched allegiance to NZ in 2003  

How did you get into paddling and how long have you been paddling for? Introduced via friends  in 1992

Where do you usually sit in the waka and what do you like about that seat? All seats and I like versatility of being able to sit in all seats  

What is your favorite long distance race in the world and why? I was lucky enough to paddle Pailolo in 2018 and have put on the bucket list to do the same course Maui to Molokai (M2M) on an OC1

What would be your number 1 race tip be for a first time long distance paddler? Make sure you have a good hydration system and prepare for the distance

If you could meet one person in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be? Everyone I want to meet is already in my life, so I’d say one of my relatives I’m a direct descendant of, from at least 150 -200 years ago

Is there anyone you would like to thank who has supported you during this campaign? My partner and everyone I’ve ever paddled with and against and especially my teammates/squad from Pineula

V1 Junior 19 Men

Kacey Ngataki

Age: 17

Club: Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club

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Where did you grow up? South Auckland  

how long have you been paddling for? 8 years

How did you get into paddling? Growing up I spent a lot of time on the water surfing, swimming and doing SUP, I Used to watch my Grandma and Parents race so it eventually stuck.

Where do you usually sit in the waka and what do you like about that seat?  Usually 1, 2 and 5 because im a bit small for 3 and 4

What is your favourite long distance race in the world and why? Friday Aito with the Vakamanu boys

What would be your number 1 race tip be for a first time long distance paddler? Enjoy the ride 

If you could meet one person in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be? ‘’Steevy Boy’’

Is there anyone you would like to thank who has supported you during this campaign? Thank you to all the people who have contributed to my paddling career big or small over the past 8 years, first and foremost my Mum and Dad who have supported me from the very beginning and too my whanau and friends. Also a huge thank you to my coaches/idols Kimi, Mark, Brad and the entire Vakamanu squad. 

V1 Master 60 Women

Liz Tane 

Age: 62

Club: Taniwha /TMOCC

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Where did you grow up? Mangere Auckland  

How did you get into paddling and how long have you been paddling for? My husband introduced me to paddling 18 years ago.

Where do you usually sit in the waka and what do you like about that seat? I sit anywhere in the wakaa that works for the team…I do not have a specific seat that I like. I was lucky to have a coach that made us sit in all 6 seats to gain experience.

What is your favourite long distance race in the world and why? The Na Wahine O Ke Kai crossing between Molokai and Oahu. I was privileged to race in 2014 with a mixture of SMW and MW paddlers from Australia, Tahiti, California and New Zealand. The race was such a buzz mentally and physically. 

What would be your number 1 race tip be for a first time long distance paddler? Put in the training:  learn the different water conditions:  get mileage on the water;  and paddle smart.

If you could meet one person in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be? Barry White  - he has charisma!!! 

Is there anyone you would like to thank who has supported you during this campaign? I like to say thank you to my husband Tame who is my best fan for all his support and patience.