About Fire In Ice Waka Ama Club
Learn about our mission, coaches and committee members.
In the beginning...
Fire in Ice Outrigger Canoe Club was founded in 1994 by a core group of dedicated paddlers from the Cadbury Dragon Boat team. The Club’s first waka was loaned from Christchurch club Te Awa Haku Waka Ama Club until Fire in Ice raised sufficient funds through grant applications and other fundraising ventures to purchase the Hawaiian Classic W6 and two OC-1 outrigger canoes.
Fire in Ice became an incorporated society in 1996 and until recent years has been the most southern Waka Ama club in the world.
Our Mission
To support the values and unique culture of Waka Ama, promote water safety and a high level of community participation and enjoyment of water sports leisure and recreational activities for whánau (families).
Fire In Ice Coach Profiles
Grant "Swanny" Swanson
EXPERIENCE
Swanny is a natural waterman who has Surf Lifesaving experience and great skill as a steerer. Always offering to help and a real team man of the club.
Graeme "G" Ramshaw
EXPERIENCE
Graeme has a huge amount of experience paddling and steering in various waters around the world. Also not too bad with balancing numbers.
Marco "Wave Master" Vasquez
EXPERIENCE
Marco, with a background in canoeing and marine biology, integrates environmental awareness into his innovative coaching methods.
Viv Harvey
EXPERIENCE
Viv has been paddling since 1994 and is the first South Island Paddler to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. She is a walking encyclopedia of Waka Ama knowledge who is happy to help.
Toko Vakatini
EXPERIENCE
Toko is a man of few words but is responsible for the success of many amazing paddlers. In 2001 he kicked off South Island regattas with the first Ice Breaker Event
Victoria "Vic" Bryant
EXPERIENCE
Emily combines sports psychology with coaching, fostering mental resilience and positive visualization, helping athletes enjoy successful careers.
