Back to page

Support the NZ Para Waka Ama Team to compete at the 2017 World Long Distance Champs Tahiti, 2017

  • Introducing Ryan Pearce

      4 April 2017
    Main image

    Kia ora

    I am a 34 year old Primary School teacher from Christchurch. In my younger years I was a swimmer and triathlete.

    In 2009 I had surgery to remove a varicose vein on my spinal cord, however the surgery did not go to plan. The surgery caused nerve damage that has effected me from the waist down. I am able to walk but with a limp and have to use a brace on my right leg.

    I took up waka ama to try something new and to have an opportunity to compete on the water.

    I have been training at competing with Te Waka Pounamu out of Lyttelton in Christchurch as a member of an open mens team. I would like to thanks everyone who has helped me from TWP.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment
  • Introducing George Thomas

      3 April 2017
    Main image

    Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue

    Kia ora

    I’m from Rotorua and live at Mourea, Okere Falls.

    I have two children Tyrin and Dale they are my inspiration.

    Tyrin is 5 times NZ open men’s sprint champion in waka ama and member of the current world champion elite men’s 500m team and Dale a double world champion in waka ama and white water rafting.

    Myself I have paddled and coached waka for several years representing New Zealand many times in both waka ama and canoe.

    Sport has given me opportunities to meet great people and travel to many parts of the world including Poland, Hungary,Australia, Sacramento - USA and throughout the Pacific.

    In 2005 I was seriously injured in a car accident my injuries included Bilateral fractures in both legs which have been plated, screwed and permanently fused. And my right hip plated and screwed.

    When Im not paddling I work as a Plasterer, spend quality time with family and I enjoy fishing.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment
  • Introducing Wayne Trott

      3 April 2017
    Main image

    Born and Raised in Hamilton, I spent most weekends of my childhood in Whaingaroa, where I now live and have been for 30 years. At 53 years of age, my partner and I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 step grandchildren.

    In 1988 my partner and myself were hit by a car, which resulted in us both sustaining life long-term injuries; my being a below knee amputation.

    Being trained as a boil maker I have had the privilege of many occupations. For the past 15 years I have been sawmilling.

    The things I enjoy most are paddling my waka and fishing.

    I would like to give many thanks to Whaingaroa Whanau Hoe Club, for their tuition, support with my paddling and the opportunity to be a team steerer as well as competing in races.

    I also, convey a special thanks to Aaron Kereopa for introducing me to Waka Ama. You’re an awesome mentor, support and friend.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment
  • Introducing Brent Lynn

      3 April 2017
    Main image

    Kia ora

    I am 33 years old, born in Christchurch and when I was 9 years old I moved to Hikurangi, Northland with my mother, sister and younger brother.

    Born with Spina Bifida, I have always loved to be involved in sport, starting with hockey, followed by cricket and athletics.

    In 2002 after travelling to Brisbane to the Australian Junior Disabled Games, I became involved in wheelchair basketball which I have played ever since. I represented New Zealand in the Junior team for three years, later becoming part of the NZ Men’s squad. I became a below the knee amputee in 2012 which resulted in having to relinquish my place in the squad and spent almost two years recovering.

    Waka Ama came later and after a few attempts at getting started, joined the Parihaka Waka Ama club and attended the 2017 Nationals as a member of their Adaptive team.

    I am currently doing a Sport & Recreation course at NorthTec. I am also a member of the Hikurangi Volunteer Fire Brigade and have served for almost 16 years.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment