Three weeks before the Ngaruawahia Waka Regatta I had the idea that it would be cool to have another Senior Girls team to enter into the competition.

Gathering a group of girls we started practicing as soon as was possible.  Being at school before 7am Wednesday mornings was a challenge for some but we all persevered and made it on time with the incentive of a hot shower being available afterwards. We also had a practice Thursday afternoons for about an hour.

Three weeks passed and the day of the regatta dawned. We made our way over to Ngaruawahia and set up a marquee. The hillside by the river was pretty packed with other schools and we knew that they had all had a lot more practice than us, but that didn’t dampen our spirits.

Our first race came and went getting us a third placing. With a break in between, our second race showed its head, resulting in placing second. We were feeling that we were doing pretty well considering the odds. We were put into the Plate Final. The rain had started and we almost missed our last race, but we got there and powered down the river in torrential rain earning us a fourth placing.

We all had a wicked day and I was thankful to all the girls for hanging in there and giving it their all. Thanks also to Whaea Stevie for supporting us at all our practices and organizing it for us. Thanks also to Whaea Jeanette for helping us when she could. Thank you to Rebecca, Hannah, Jay and Ashleigh for being an amazing team. Just imagine what our school could achieve if we started training earlier!!

Erana Te Rangi