His waka-ama team may have missed out on retaining their Rotohoe Series crown, but Tauranga's Nik House says he is determined to continue in the sport he loves.

The 40-year-old is in his first season of waka-ama and paddles for Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club's Tornado crew.

Nik House (white cap) in action with the Tornado crew. Photo: Supplied.

The side raced over the weekend in the final round of the Rotohoe Series at Hannah's Bay Reserve, Lake Rotorua.

Nik's team were joint-first with Waikato crew ASOY going into the fifth and final round on Saturday. Unfortunately, they had to settle for second in the 22km race, behind joint winners ASOY and OCC from Ruamata.

The Welcome Bay principal says he has enjoyed paddling and has his mate Troy Doleman to thank for getting him into the sport.

'I've known about waka for a long, long time and I've had a few opportunities over my life time to have a couple of turns,” he says.

'But I was just at a point last year, where I needed a bit of balance in my life and Troy said come and have a go.”

Although his side were unable to retain their Rotohoe Series title this season, Nik says he is keen to continue to paddle for his waka-ama crew.

'I did a little bit of white-water rafting in my teens as a job and I've always loved the water,” he adds. 'I've just gotten hooked with waka. I absolutely love it.”

His love of the sport means he is keen to get his pupils involved in the healthy past-time.

'I'm talking at the moment with a guy called Paul Roozendaal and looking at some opportunities for either later in the year or even next year to get some kids involved,” he says.

Nik, who normally sits around seat three or four, says he'd like to learn how to steer so he can help with teaching waka-ama at school.

But until then he says his next goal is to try for some higher honours in the sport.

'I want to get better,” he admits, 'it's just time. If I could have my way and put in the yards I definitely would, but man that's a big mountain to climb.”