PADDLING TOGETHER, GROWING STRONGER
After years of quiet water, Omaha Coastal Waka Ama (OCWA) is bringing the spirit of waka ama back to the region – paddle stroke by paddle stroke, community member by community member.
Two waka ama clubs once operated from the Omaha boat ramp, before declining membership and the disruption of Covid-19 brought paddling sessions to a halt. OCWA has set out to change that, creating a space for locals to connect, stay active, and enjoy the water together.
The club experienced a fortunate start thanks to generous local residents – multiple international singles champion Laurie "Skin" Atkins and 2026 Singapore Worlds medallist Lesley Holmes – who gifted OCWA the use of a former club's W6 waka. A second waka and its equipment were sadly removed from the area shortly after, a disappointing setback that only strengthened the group's resolve and forged a tighter bond among its growing paddlers – united by a commitment to restoring waka ama in Omaha.
At the heart of it all is founder and coordinator Kylee Williams, drawn to the way waka ama weaves together Māori culture, coastal living, and genuine wellbeing. She's especially focused on making the sport accessible to young people, giving them a way to build confidence, connect with Māori culture, and find belonging through teamwork. Kylee’s careful stewardship of community resources and commitment to creating opportunities for others is building a welcoming, sustainable club rooted in connection – to the moana, and to each other.
"The community spirit is what makes OCWA so special," says Kylee. "Seeing how a waka ama session on the beautiful waters of Omaha can lift someone's hauora (wellbeing) brings immense satisfaction. A huge shout out to our dedicated steerers – Jennifer Frances, Peter Seamanutafa and Pamela Kane-Sanderson – who make every session possible."
Waka ama has grown into both a serious competitive sport and a beloved lifestyle activity, blending fitness and time outdoors with genuine crew camaraderie. OCWA welcomes everyone, whatever their background or ambition – competitive paddlers and first-timers alike. A partnership with Matakana Mobile Sauna adds another layer of recovery and wellbeing to the mix, while time spent on the water naturally deepens paddlers' kaitiakitanga - guardianship and care for the environment and coastline.
As OCWA continues to grow, support from local businesses – whether sponsorship, equipment, or practical partnerships – will help expand access and create lasting opportunities for paddlers across the community.
Facebook: Omaha Coastal Waka Ama | omahacwa@gmail.com