The dates for the 2026/27 Darcy Price New Zealand Ocean Ski Series have been confirmed, with eight events spread across the country giving paddlers a full summer of competition.
The series runs from September 2026 through to May 2027, taking in some of New Zealand's most spectacular coastal locations. From Tutukaka in Northland to Queenstown in the deep south, the schedule covers a genuine cross-section of ocean paddling environments.
Kicking things off is the Tawhiti Rahi Coastal Challenge, which doubles as the 2026 NZ Ocean Ski National Championships, at Tutukaka on Saturday 19 September 2026. The Windy City Downwind in Wellington follows on 14 November, then the Deep South Downwind in Queenstown on 5 December.
January brings the Paddler Virtual Champs, running the full month from 1 to 31 January 2027, with the Queen and King of the Bay in Tasman on 30 January rounding out that block. February sees the James Moore-morial "Bhutty Moore" Race in Tauranga on the 6th, followed by Heads to Harbour in Whakatane on 6 March. The series closes with the Auckland King and Queen of the Harbour on 8 May 2027.
Competitors don't need to make every round. Only the best three results count towards overall series points, keeping it workable for those who can't commit to the full schedule.
Points vary by event. The National Championships and the Auckland King and Queen of the Harbour are each worth 400 points to the winner, all other standard races carry 300 points, and the Paddler Virtual Champs is worth 250 points.
