Waka Ama NZ is confident a series of Have-a-Go Days, supported by the PNZ Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Fund, can be a powerful catalyst for increasing participation among disabled people in the popular paddling sport.
Around 30 disabled paddlers, aged between 10 and 50, experienced waka ama for the first time at Have-a-Go events held in Ōrākei, Auckland, and at Lake Taurikura, Tauranga, earlier this month. A third event will take place at Kowharewa Bay, Tutukaka, in Northland this November.
Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ Whaikaha Lead Natasha Barber said: “Across the events in Auckland and Tauranga, around 30 people have climbed into a waka for the first time and learned how to paddle.
“We’ve received great feedback. While some disabled people were initially hesitant to participate, once they got in the boat it really helped build their confidence. It also gave them a strong sense of belonging.”
Natasha, alongside several leading coaches and international para paddlers, was on hand to support participants with a diverse range of disabilities. She witnessed firsthand the positive impact the sport can have.
“A personal highlight came in Tauranga when a teenager arrived and was adamant he was only there to watch,” she said. “He had a traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy affecting the left side of his body. He was welcomed by the club and gradually realised that he could do this.
“He put on a life jacket, jumped into the waka, picked up a paddle and successfully paddled on both sides. It was amazing to see.”
The Have-a-Go Days have generated strong interest among participants to continue in the sport, with around half expressing an interest in joining a club, according to Natasha.
Beyond the final Have-a-Go Day in Tutukaka, the focus is on helping clubs develop the confidence and capability to welcome and support disabled paddlers into the future.
“We want clubs to feel confident welcoming members of the disabled community, whether they want to paddle socially, compete, or pursue the sport at a high-performance level.
“It would be fantastic for all clubs to have the practical skills and knowledge needed to support disabled paddlers.
“We’re looking at implementing more specialist adaptive training for clubs that is both long-term and sustainable, while creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.”
***The PNZ Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Grant will support eight initiatives to a combined $73,000. More than 1200 disabled New Zealanders, coaches, whānau, friends, volunteers and people new to Para sport are expected to benefit from the Grant.
