Waka ama

A Waka Ama (also known as an “outrigger canoe” or OC for short) consists of a hull with one or more outrigger ama, rigged out to the side for stability and lashed to the hull with two kiato. The hull has a sealed bow (ihu) bulkheads and stern (kei) bulkheads.

Our club waka

The Club current fleet is

New Hydra 2026.

Ruahine - Toko Ngāwha 2024

Malolo - Tūātea 2023.

Mahi-mahi - Te Āmai 2016.

Mahi-mahi - Te Hono ki Kaiteretere 2005.

Fai Malolo

Moana nui. Kikorangi .

Gemini 2026

4 x Tai

2 x Fai

2 x Ruahine

OC1

1 x Sonic

We also have a waka trailer, hoe (paddles), life jackets, neopren booties and safety gear. If you paddle regularly, we encourage you to buy your own hoe.

We are very fortunate to have had the wisdom and generosity of two experienced paddlers from Hawaii: Pam and Bill Monahan. They have encouraged and trained paddlers many years and were instrumental in setting up the Motueka Waka Ama Club (MWAC). They also gifted two waka ama to the Club: Te Waka Tutu and Piwaiwaka. Through the generous and ongoing support of Whakatu Inc. and the Kaiteretere Recreation Reserve Board we were able to purchase additional waka and equipment.

See our other amazing sponsors here...

Taking out Waka

Before taking any club waka out on your own, you must be formally signed off by the Club.

This sign‑off ensures you understand our safety processes, care of equipment, and the responsibilities involved in paddling independently.

If you haven’t been signed off yet, please talk to your steerer during a Social paddle or Training session so they can help connect you with a senior paddler who can complete this process with you.

Because waka numbers are limited and we follow strict health and safety requirements, please contact us before taking a club waka out for the first time.

W2, V1, OC1

(at Dummy Bay)

The Club owns two W2, eight V1 and one OC1

After you have been out paddling a few times, and have gained some skills, confidence and also a good understanding of water safety and how to care for the waka, you might want to take out these waka for a paddle.

(at Kaiteretere Beach)

The V3 is treated like an OC6 and can only be taken out with an experienced steerer.

OC6

(at Kaiteretere Beach)

Our 6-seater waka can only be taken out with an experienced steerer. We currently have five OC6s.

What you need to bring

It depends on the season. In summer, on a hot day, T-shirt and shorts are usually fine. Togs underneath are a good idea to be well prepared for an impromptu or deliberate swim - we sometimes land at one of the golden beaches around Kaiteretere and enjoy a sunny break.

In winter, please do not wear cotton. You may need a few layers of merino, a warm hat, thermal leggings, gloves, neoprene booties (you can borrow some from the Club). Even if you don’t end up in the water (mostly you won’t), the wind chill can be very cold. It’s a good idea, especially in winter, to have a few warm extra layers in your car.

A towel and a bottle of water are always good things to take, too.

Club Communication & Booking Systems

We provide all the essential equipment for safe and enjoyable paddling, including waka, life jackets, waka paddles, medical kits, and guidance on how to paddle.

If you decide to paddle with us regularly, we encourage you to become a Club member. Once you are a MWAC member, you will be added to our communication platforms so you can stay fully connected with our paddling whānau.

TeamSnap (Bookings & Schedule)

All members are added to our TeamSnap club space. This is where you can:

See all scheduled paddles
Book a seat in the waka
Update your availability for social paddles and team training

TeamSnap is our main tool for organising paddling sessions and making sure seats are allocated fairly.

WhatsApp Group (Club Korero & Updates)

All members are also added to our WhatsApp group. This is where we share:

Club korero
Updates and reminders
Cancellations
Upcoming events
Any other important club information

This group keeps everyone informed and connected.

Facebook (Closed Group for Members)

Once you become a member, you can also join our closed Facebook group, where we share photos, pānui, and club announcements.