Young kayakers sparkled in the sunshine at Pilot Bay in Tauranga on Tuesday as the Canoe Racing event at the 2026 Zespri Aims Games took place.
Under the watch of the cordoned off Mauao (Mt Maunganui) and on glistening, calm waters, just under 100 intermediate school aged (year 7 & 8) paddlers represented their schools and themselves proudly in the kahawai event format off the beach. This event is not renowned for good weather but this years participants and spectators were treated to clear skies and glassy conditions, although the forecast light onshore wind come did come in later in the day.
The next generation of paddlers, ranging from CRNZ club paddlers to canoe slalom/polo paddlers to recreational paddlers using this type of craft (beginner skis) for the first time. Racing included individual races (2x heats, followed by finals) then team relay races (3 person teams).
See results here
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There were some great photos taken by the Aims Games photographer- check them out on our facebook page.
If you were at the event, we’d love to hear what you thought of it.
This was our 5th year running this as a new event and event format for us and are looking to do a good review to ensure it is meeting our intentions, especially as we grow. Feedback helps us improve the event as well as show sponsors and funders the benefits of what we are doing. We would appreciate if you could take a couple of minutes to complete this short survey. https://forms.office.com/r/gCd2RWtuir
What next?
For Year 7’s, we hope to see you back next year. Please reach out to CRNZ if there is any support CRNZ can give to your schools/regions to help support or grow kayaking at this age group (or any age group). We would love to help! We are also keen to help run more regional events of this format so let us know if you are keen to support this.
For year 8’s, we run a Secondary School Kayaking Championships each year. Next year, it will be held at Lake Pupuke in Auckland on 10/11 April. Keep an eye out for information on this. This is a “sprint” event, with straight line racing, as well as a “long distance” race. We provide all the equipment. We would love to see you there in 2027!
