The events and dates that will make up the 2026 Paddler Winter Series have been announced so get your winter woolies out and get ready to paddle!
The Paddler Winter Series is made up club-run paddling races around New Zealand to keep all paddlers active and connected over the winter months.
We have 9 awesome events making up this series this year, with the bonus points CRNZ 10km Champs at Lake Karapiro wrapping it up in September. Open to K1, oceanski/surfski, multisport boats, c-boats, waka ama and standup paddleboards, and suitable for all ages.
2026 Paddler Winter Series Event Dates
- Race #1: 1st August- Taranaki, Waitara Kayak Club
- Race #2: 8th August – Auckland, North Shore Canoe Club
- Race #3: 9th August – Christchurch, Arawa Canoe Club
- Race #4: 16th August – Auckland, Waitemata Canoe Club
- Race #5: 16th August – Motueka , Nelson Surfski Club
- Race #6: 22nd August – Gisborne, Poverty Bay Kayak Club
- Race #7: 23rd August – Cambridge, Karapiro Kayak Club
- Race #8: 13th September – Cambridge, Cambridge to Hamilton River Race
- Race #9/Series Finale: 27th September – NZ 10km Champs, Lake Karapiro
The Paddler Winter Series aims to:
Encourage the paddling community to keep active and social throughout the winter months.
Attract and bring together all paddlers and kayaking disciplines (kayak, ski, multisport, SUP, waka)
Provide good quality events to allow paddlers to challenge themselves, compete and have fun.
Encourage inter-club/region relationships and connections
