Kayak Sprint
Kayak Sprint is a high-intensity, short-distance discipline raced on flatwater courses of 200m, 500m, and 1000m.
There are kayak events for men and women, in single (K1), double (K2) and four-person boats (K4). There are also Paracanoe events where paddlers with impairments can compete in Kayak (K) and Va’a (V).
Kayak Sprint is an Olympic and Paralympic event, and NZ has a proud history of success on the world stage.
Sprint Events in NZ
New Zealand has 4 major sprint regattas each season:
In our New Zealand regattas we cater for all age groups from 12&Under right through to Masters. We also include mixed team boats and club relays.
These events are often included in selection criteria for Junior, U23 and open ICF World Championships.
Ocean Ski/Surf Ski
Ocean/surf skis are long and sleek open-top kayaks designed for open ocean paddling, but are also well suited to all bodies of water and recreational/fitness paddling.
But where the real magic of skis lie is in downwind paddling, where paddlers use the wind, waves and ocean swells to surf down waves in an adrenaline-filled open-water adventure. Downwind races are typically longer distance events.
In ocean racing, it is not necessarily the fittest or strongest paddler who wins the event, but the one who is able to master and make the most of the conditions.
Events in NZ
Canoe Racing NZ coordinates the Darcy Price NZ Ocean Ski Series- a national points series made up of 8 independent ocean ski events, run all across the country each summer.
Important note: Due to the nature of ocean ski paddling, it often comes with the most safety risk for paddlers. Paddlers need to be considerate and sensible to ensure they are PaddleSafe.
Kayak Marathon
The sport of canoe marathon is a true test of a paddlers tactics, endurance and athleticism.
Similar to a running marathon, it is a long distance, endurance event- standard races can be up to 30km on a flatwater course, often with regular portages where the paddler must carry the kayak.
A recent addition to marathon racing is short course events – short, sharp races of 3-4km with portages between laps.
Events in NZ
Canoe Racing NZ runs an annual Canoe Marathon National Championship each year around October.
This is open to all competitors across all age groups with different distances for each age group usually between 3-5km (U12 paddlers) and up to 30km (open competitors). It is often the selection event for that year’s ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships.
In the winter, there is national Paddler Winter Series with events hosted by clubs around the country and culminates in the 10km National Championships. This includes shorter races for all age groups.
Canoe Racing
Canoe Sprint: Similar to kayak sprint but raced in single-bladed paddle canoes (C1, C2, C4). Canoeists use powerful strokes and remain with their paddle on one side of the boat for the entirety of the race. In team boats, each paddler paddles with an equal number of paddlers paddling on each side of the boat to propel the boat forward. Distances commonly include 200m, 500m, and 1000m, demanding strength, technique, and balance. Canoes do not include a rudder, and steering the boat is completed through the paddle stroke.
Canoe Marathon: A long-distance endurance discipline similar to kayak marathon but using canoes. Competitors face open water, and portages, requiring a combination of power, efficiency, and race strategy over extended distances
Multisport Kayaking (Grade 1)
Grade 1 multisport kayaking refers to kayaking on flat or sheltered water with minimal obstacles and gentle currents. It’s the entry-level classification for multisport kayaking, meaning it’s suitable for beginners or those looking for a less technical paddling experience.
Multisport kayaking is often associated with adventure racing and events like the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, where participants must navigate rivers as part of a larger endurance challenge. While Grade 1 kayaking is on relatively flat water, higher grades introduce stronger currents, rapids, and technical maneuvering. For Grade 2 paddling and above we strongly recommend completing a Grade 2 paddling course with a qualified provider.
Many multisport kayakers are members of Canoe Racing New Zealand clubs, as it connects them with a welcoming community of paddlers and regular training squads. Clubs may also offer coaching, technique, training programmes and boat storage. Canoe Racing New Zealand events such as the 10km Paddler Winter Series, Kayak Marathon Events and Darcy Price Downwind Series are good events to build endurance and flat-water paddling technique.
Please contact your local affiliated Canoe Racing New Zealand club to discuss multisport paddling.
