Paddler Presents
KAHAWAI
KIA KAHA I TE WAI BE STRONG IN THE WATER
WHAT IS KAHAWAI?
Kahawai is about creating a community of junior paddlers and building opportunities to connect paddlers to learn, compete, achieve and enjoy being on the water.
Kahawai is an event concept designed to be an enjoyable, engaging entry into paddling competition and to build bridges between flatwater, ocean, surf and river paddling.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kahawai Champs 2025
Sunday 4 May 2025
Takapuna Beach, Auckland
This is a fun and exciting event with short, sharp round the cans racing, perfect for any type of kayaker. It follows the Auckland King and Queen of the Harbour event and is a great addition for a weekend of paddling.
Open to all ages, abilities and types of paddlers, this is an exciting, action packed event!
2025 AIMS GAmes
Canoe Racing
Tuesday 2 September
Pilot Bay Beach, Tauranga
For intermediate school students, this is the chance to represent your school at kayaking in a fun and exciting event.
Designed to be an enjoyable, engaging entry into kayaking competition, it includes both individual and team events, for year 7 and 8 boys and girls,
Kahawai Champs 2022
Sunday 8th May 2022
Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland- Takapuna Beach
Nearly 40 junior paddlers took part in the 2nd annual Kahawai Paddling Champs under the late summer sun in exceptionally calm conditions at Takapuna Beach.
Kahawai Champs 2021
Narrowneck Beach, Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland
The inaugural Kahawai Paddling champs took place in challenging onshore conditions, which saw paddlers race out into a headwind but be rewarded with some fun wave-catching action on the way back into the finish.
Host A KAhawai Event
It is easy for clubs and paddling organisations to run Kahawai events.
Kahawai is designed to be an easy to manage format with minimal set-up requirements and to be completed in a half-day or full-day event. Kahawai events can be run on any water, anywhere and in variable weather conditions.
We have created all the resources you need and will provide event support including providing craft and a Kahawai Event Pack with flags, signage etc.
Check out the Guide for Event Organisers for more info.
GALLERY
