The Hawea Academy
Two years ago on one of my trips to New Zealand, local paddler Gordy Rayner planted the idea of us running a Keeners style kids camp at the Hawea waves. This year we made it happen. At the end of January 17 kids took part in a week long camp, 9 development kids (new paddlers with limited whitewater kayaking experience) and 8 Academy kids (experienced young kayakers with a white water roll and basic surfing skills), and had an amazing week of whitewater kayaking fun on the Hawea White Water Park near Wanaka on the South Island New Zealand.
![]() |
Inspiring the next generation. Multi World Champion Claire O'Hara watches on as 13 year old Lotty surfs and practices new moves |
![]() |
Yoga a great way to start the day |
![]() |
Den watches on a Justin hits his first Space Godzilla |
![]() |
Making goal sheets |
![]() |
Maddie showing of her new skills |
![]() |
Max and Jack tandem surf the top wave |
![]() |
Warming up and getting ready to roll |
![]() |
Ollie talks Fraiser through the lines |
![]() |
Theres something amazing about growing up by the river |
![]() |
The 2015 Hawea Academy and Development Team |
Heres some more of my favourite photos from the week.
![]() |
Roles switch as the kids coach the Pros |
![]() |
Maddie learning to roll |
![]() |
Local ripper Aiden (11) surfs the main wave with Claire |
![]() |
No mater what the trick the feeling of success is the same |
![]() |
Party surf |
![]() |
Heres to making great ideas a reality |
<< Home