Paddling workshops for newcomers

Anyone interested in taking up oe vaka can look forward to a Principles of Paddling workshop, which will run for the next six weeks.

Yesterday, local paddler Richard Denny hosted the first workshop at Muri. Subsequent sessions will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4.30pm next to Sails.

The course covers all the basics of paddling technique, steering, safety procedures, flipping drills and the principles of racing for those who are not familiar with outrigger canoeing, or those who simply want to improve their stroke.

Denny is a two-time national coach and a strong paddler with experience competing at world championships and a number of prominent overseas regattas.

Aside from training up new paddlers, the workshops will give Denny an idea of who belongs in which position, so that when V6 racing season starts, new paddlers will be prepared.

The Principles of Paddling workshop costs $5 per week and finishes just before V6 ocean racing season.