Papakaio School's Catherine Wright (left) is coached by world kayak freestyle champion and world No 6 Courtney Kerin (front right), at the Lower Waitaki Water Sports Park yesterday.
The 12-year-old was part of a group of more than 20 pupils on a school aquatics programme using kayaks and yachts on an irrigation lake built by the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company.
The water sports park was developed and is operated by a trust of lower Waitaki people who, with the support of the irrigation company, saw the potential of the new pond to provide a facility for North Otago families and schools.
The park officially opened on March 1, after the trust built a shed to hold its equipment and bought yachts, kayaks and safety equipment, including life jackets.
Trust chairman Richard Willans said yesterday it now had 15 kayaks, 10 yachts and today was expecting four paddle boards to arrive, along with supporting safety equipment including a dinghy with an outboard.
About $170,000 had been spent so far developing the facility and buying equipment. The money had all come from fundraising, donations, grants and membership fees.
There were now 80 family members who could use the pond and boats when they liked. In addition, Papakaio, Duntroon and Waitaki Girls' High Schools used the facility.
Anyone could become a member. Keys cost $50 a year and were available from Hurst Holdings or Oamaru Sports and Outdoors.
