Volunteers lapping up the sun Photo: Copyright 2025 WakaAma NZ
They're often the first people to arrive at Lake Karapiro and the last to leave - and wake up at 4am to prepare for a day in the Waikato heat.
The volunteers are the heart of this year's Waka Ama Sprint Championships.
Among them was Tim Marshall who said the annual event was "cool" to be a part of.
"It's a really healthy, really positive vibe, [there's] great support, and it's a sport for all ages - anybody can paddle, we have under eight's to over 80's."
He had been volunteering for about 24 years; his experience was used to guide others rather than instruct.
"We all work together, we're all a team, and we all work pretty well together."
He started taking his role a bit more seriously in 2011, before then he had a 10-year-long career as the manager for his daughters' waka ama team, which landed him a spot in the paddling dad's squad.
"I did have a paddle with a bunch of dads back in the day, but I always say, such as my prowess on the water, I should stay on land helping out."
Marshall said there were familiar faces who put their hands up to help every year, but it's a forever expanding team.
Even rangatahi stick around after their races conclude to do what they could.
Tim Marshall (left) with his waka pals Photo: WakaAma NZ
In total there are between 100 and 150 volunteers.
"We got extra numbers from our corrections whānau who have been useful as it gives our usual team a break."
And you can't miss them, all wearing fluorescent pink.
In fact, it's the most attractive part of the job for Craig who was one of 20 volunteers from the Department of Corrections.
"As I've heard, only real men wear pink," he said.
Craig had never attended the event before, but he was enjoying watching the competition.
However, he was not convinced that it's the sport for him.
"I'm definitely not fit enough to do it."
"I think I'll give it a hard pass and let others do it, I just enjoy watching."
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