Waka ama (outrigger canoeing) is a fantastic team sport but perhaps you prefer the thrill of competing as your own duathlon team (a run, bike, run competition).
There's also the choice between running and biking, or developing your upper body strength for that twisting paddle stroke. Compare the two.
Waka Ama
Fun Factor
Waka Ama or outrigger canoeing is a fantastic team sport – with your paddle strokes in sync, you can feel the canoe gliding effortlessly through the water. And after a hard training in the summer, there's nothing like jumping off the canoe for a refreshing dip.
It's social too – the whole family can take part, from grandparent to children.
Body Benefits
A fabulous workout for the shoulders, back, and core. Paddling involves a twisting stroke that works the front and side abs. Bracing yourself with your legs gently works the lower body, and when a sprint is needed your heart and lungs will come to the party.
A great off-season sport for rugby players and netballers, with knee or leg injuries.
Cost and Gear
Outrigging is pretty casual, most people wear shorts, t-shirt, and a cap over summer. In winter polyprops and a beanie are essential, neoprene booties are also good for grip.
Most clubs provide beginner paddles and lifejackets, and will let you have a few trial paddles before you have to join.
Splashing out on your own paddle will set you back between $160-$300 depending on how serious you are.
Accessibility
There are over 70 clubs spread throughout New Zealand, from the tip of the North Island down to Dunedin (the southern most outrigger club in the world). Obviously it will help if you live near the water – any sea, river, or lake will do.
All the clubs have canoes, all you need to do is get yourself down to the water and help lift them in.
Time Commitment
It's a sport that you can give as much time as you want – social weekend paddles or training for marathons with multiple sessions a week (early morning and rain included).
It takes a wee while to master the stroke technique but given you probably won't be sitting in the steerers seat for a while, you'll always have someone sitting behind you to give you tips.
For more information, see the Waka Awa website.
Duathlon
Fun Factor
If you're trying duathlon for the first time, find a training buddy and you will have twice the fun! Training with a friend means you can share the huge highs that come from crossing that first finish line.
Do follow a programme - it not only means you build up your fitness without injury, but you can monitor your progress, and getting fit feels fantastic.
Body Benefits
Run, bike, run training will get you properly fit. The World Championship distance is 10k, 40k, 5k, but there are lots of shorter distance runs/rides available – with just as much physical benefit.
Apart from the aerobic fitness, the lower body benefits most, helping your legs become stronger and leaner, but pumping the arms while running and gripping the handlebars tones the arms too.
Cost and Gear
You can get seriously fancy with technical gear if you're inclined (and flush). But the most important piece of equipment is a good pair of running shoes and you can get a fairly decent pair for around the $150 mark.
Any bike will do but if you're going to stick at this, you'd be better off with a road bike – borrowed or second hand will keep the costs down.
Duathlon entry fees start at around $30.
Accessibility
Chances are you're never going to be too far from a duathlon – there are several on the national calendar, like the Sport NZ Real Women's Duathlon, and most sporting clubs and local councils regularly organise events.
There are quite a few off-road duathlons that are ideal for mountain biking fans. If you like winter racing, you can take part in them all year round.
Time Commitment
Training time is dependent upon the length of the race, but you should plan a 10-week training schedule, even for the shorter events.
You're looking at training at least four days a week, varying from half an hour, to an hour and a half for an entry level duathlon – with varying intensity each day. For more information, see the Triathlon New Zealand website.
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