A Waka Ama crew all aged in their 70s is preparing for the World Sprint Championship in Hawaii later this year.
The crew, known as the Fluffy Slippers, are all part of Hoe Aroha Whānau o Mauao Waka Ama Club at Mount Maunganui's Pilot Bay.
Team leader Mike Hickson told 1News the crew got their name after registering for an event several years ago.
"They just said, 'Well, a bunch of old fellas like you should be at home with your fluffy slippers on' so we said 'that'll do. Call us the Fluffy Slippers'."
But despite having an average age of 73, the old boys don't muck around.
The pensioners have won the nationals for the second year in a row, and will compete at the Master 70 event in Hilo in August.
Hickson said they often "poke a bit of rubbish at each other, give each other cheek".
"But we work hard as well. And often we're paddling with dolphins, orca, seals, penguins. Keeps ya young, aye?" the 70-year-old said.
69-year-old Pierre Hawira, a fill-in on the day 1News was there, joked that his fellow teammates were a "good bunch of old farts".
The Fluffy Slippers head out to practice three days a week.
"Just training with the crew and trying to get as fit as we can and ready for Hawaii," 75-year-old Paora Howe said.
When they're not out at sea, they can be found training at a local gym.
The Fluffy Slippers are hoping to inspire younger generations on and off the water.
SHARE ME