Taiwanese coaches try Polynesian craft

Vicky Liu (left), Anderson Yu, Anne-Marie Jackson, Ruby Hsiao and Cuki Liu paddle the Hauteruruku...
Vicky Liu (left), Anderson Yu, Anne-Marie Jackson, Ruby Hsiao and Cuki Liu paddle the Hauteruruku off Karitane yesterday. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Taiwanese  kayak and canoe teachers paddled around in the sea off Karitane yesterday on a traditional Polynesian sailing boat as they benefited from Dunedin's wealth of experience in coach training.

Ten Taiwanese coaches were beginning a 10-day programme organised by the Taiwanese Government.

The programme will focus on professional development by drawing on the expertise within the University of Otago, the community and the boating industry.

Yesterday the group took to the waters off Karitane on the Hauteruruku, a traditional Polynesian sailing boat built by the Hauteruruku ki Puketeraki waka club based there.

Co-ordinator Tania Cassidy, Associate Professor at the University of Otago School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, said Dunedin was chosen for its ``experience in coach education''.

She gathered lecturers and local experts to help instruct the Taiwanese and the visitors were ``very good'' at picking up the skills needed to sail and row New Zealand vessels, she said.

``It's kind of appropriate, as the ancient genealogy of Maori comes from Taiwan.''

Some members of the group were champion rowers in their own country, but they were amazed at the speed of New Zealand waka, she said.

One of the visitors, Vicky Liu, said the Hauteruruku was very easy to manoeuvre.

``I was very excited when I saw a sea lion.''

The contingent will share their time between Dunedin and Lake Karapiro.

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz

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