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THE HEROES PROJECT
EPISODE 4: NZ WOMEN's Sprint Kayak Team

NZ Women's SPrint Kayak Team

A Kotahitanga (noun): unity, togetherness, solidarity, collective action

In this episode we check in with the NZ wāhine as they put the finishing touches on their preparation for Tokyo. Paddler gets behind the scenes to meet the team behind the team, see the team’s daily training environment, and learn about some of the world-leading technology at the athletes’ disposal.

So, Wait . . .
WHAT actually IS PADDLER?

We are a proud sea-faring nation. In Māori tradition, a great fish was pulled from the ocean by the demigod Maui, with his magic fish-hook. ‘Te Waka a Maui’ (Maui’s Canoe) is New Zealand’s South Island, and ‘Te Ika a Maui’ (Maui’s Fish) became the North Island. Word spread of a new land, and our ancestors travelled vast distances seeking-out Aotearoa – ‘The land of the long white cloud’.

Waka and sailing vessels are part of our heritage. Our oceans, rivers and lakes are integral to our Kiwi identity. From the great Polynesian navigators such as Kupe and Toi, to Te Rehutai, the foiling America’s Cup winner. Today’s Kiwi heroes include some of the worlds greatest paddlers, such as Ben Fouhy, Luuka Jones and Lisa Carrington.

Paddler is the hub that connects us in our love of the sport. This is the place to find inspiration, information and opportunities. You don’t have to be from NZ – in the Kiwi spirit, we welcome paddlers from anywhere!