Why Every Paddler Should Get Amongst the Paddler Winter Series

Winter might be settled in, but that doesn’t mean your paddle and training should go on ice. The 2025 Paddler Winter Series is the perfect way to stay motivated, push your limits, and connect with a buzzing community of like-minded paddlers.

Whether you’re an ocean ski addict, SUP enthusiast, multisport master, waka ama paddler or flatwater specialist—there’s a spot for you on the start line. The beauty of the Winter Series lies in its inclusivity. It’s not about being the fastest. It’s about showing up, pushing yourself, and building strength, endurance and confidence through real-world racing.

Why Racing is Great Training (Even If You’re Not a Racer)

1. Puts Purpose in Your Paddling:

Having a race on the calendar gives your winter paddling/training meaning. It helps you structure your sessions, set goals, and stay consistent—even when the weather turns nasty.

2. Teaches You to Paddle Under Pressure:

There’s no better way to learn how your body and mind respond under intensity. Racing hones your focus, pacing, and tactics in ways training can’t replicate.

3. Builds Community and Camaraderie:

Training can be a lonely grind in winter. Showing up to a local race puts you in the thick of a supportive community, where everyone is chasing their own goals. You’ll leave the water buzzing with motivation—and probably a few new mates.

4. Monitor Your Strengths (and Weaknesses):

Races are a great progress check. You’ll quickly learn what’s working in your training—and what’s not—so you can adjust and improve.

5. Makes You a More Well-Rounded Paddler:

Even if you don’t see yourself as a competitive paddler or distance racer, adding a few events to your calendar challenges your skills in new conditions, environments, and formats. It sharpens your fitness and broadens your paddling experience.

CRNZ Canoe Sprint Performance coach Chris Mehak agrees that distance paddling and racing over winter is beneficial for all paddlers, even if sprint racing might be your focus.

“A 500m sprint race requires both speed and endurance.” Says Chris, coach of the 3x Olympic gold medal winning NZ Kayak Team.

“Everyone will complete the race but the athlete who can maintain the most speed will win. In order for anyone to race at the top of their abilities they must develop both speed and endurance. This time of year provides a valuable opportunity to shift your training emphasis to your aerobic base. Long distance racing can make up an effective and fun component of your preparation as you look to the summer sprint season.”

No Pressure. Just Progress.

The Paddler Winter Series is designed to be accessible, fun, and welcoming, run by clubs in a relaxed club environment. Events cater to all levels, and the vibe is more about participation than podiums. Race one event or multiple—each one is a chance to learn, grow, and enjoy time on the water through the winter months.

So dust off your winter gear, sign up for some events and get ready to line up with the crew come August. You might surprise yourself with how much you gain—not just in fitness, but in passion and connection too. See you on the start line.

2025 Paddler Winter Series Event Dates

Race #1: 2nd August – Auckland, North Shore Canoe Club

Race #2: 2nd August – Gisborne, Poverty Bay Kayak Club

Race #3: 9th August- Taranaki, Waitara Kayak Club

Race #4: 10th August – Motueka , Nelson Surfski Club

Race #5: 16th August – Hawkes Bay, Hawkes Bay Kayak Racing Club

Race #6: 24th August – Foxton, Foxton Loop River Race

Race #7: 24th August – Cambridge, Karapiro Kayak Club

Race #8: 24th August – Christchurch, Arawa Canoe Club

Race #9: 13th September – Auckland, Waitemata Canoe Club

Race #10: 14th September – Cambridge, Cambridge to Hamilton River Race

Race #11/Series Finale:* 21st September – NZ 10km Champs, Lake Karapiro

A paddler’s best 3 races count towards series points. The series finale race is worth double points so you don’t want to miss it.

For full series details including all race dates, race divisions and points info, check out https://www.paddler.nz/winterseries or head to the Paddler.nz online event calendar https://www.paddler.nz/events