A community health fund has had great spin-offs for Wairarapa's Rimene-Albrett family.

Health fund boosts waka ama family fun

26.02.2009

A health fund has made a big splash with Wairarapa's waka ama fraternity.

The community action fund run by Wairarapa District Health Board meant more paddlers and supporters could attend the 2009 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals at Waikato's Lake Karapiro.

The fund has especially benefited Masterton's Rimene-Albrett family who, with five members in the local waka ama club Wairarapa Nui Tonu, are never lacking paddle power.

"Waka ama has become a big part of what we do as a family," Kathleen Albrett-Rimene said.

"When our middle son, PJ, came home talking about "doing waka" we had no idea what he was talking about.

Now we're all into it paddling both as a family and in our different teams."

Her husband Patrick agrees that it's become a bit of a family obsession. "Even our 6-year-old is fanatical about it," he said.

"He'll sit there at home on his own, doing all the calls and he'll jump in a waka with mum and dad or his brothers whenever he can.

"It's not one of those sports where you need to be a particular age or sex or have a high level of fitness. Little guys like him or 80-year-olds can all be out there and loving it."

As a result of their club's success, an increasing number of young people have been attracted to the sport, and there is a long-term goal of competing in the 2010 World Champs in New Caledonia.

The family regularly get out on Henley Lake and paddle together, in training for regional and national regattas.

Mrs Albrett-Rimene said the medal tally at Lake Karapiro was as much a testament to the support and commitment of the families involved as it was evidence of the talent of the paddlers.

"The support for the kids was just amazing this year," she said.

"Most families who had members involved came and camped out and the kids just loved the support.

"Every family chipped in when needed and families got to make friends with others whose paths probably never would have crossed if it wasn't for waka ama.

"The encouragement and support for these young guys is really important.

"Being there means being there in the down times when things go wrong, but it also means that you get to celebrate with them when things go well.

"If more whanau could get out there and support their kids' sport, it could only be a good thing for everyone."