One week out from the 2026 Zespri Aims Games, and Tauranga's Pilot Bay is about to get busy with the country's best young paddlers.
Racing is set for Tuesday 8 September, when intermediate school paddlers from around New Zealand converge on Mt Maunganui's Pilot Bay for the Canoe Racing event.
Canoe Racing New Zealand is proud to be part of the Zespri Aims Games, billed as Australasia's biggest junior sporting event. For year 7 and 8 students, it is a chance to pull on the school colours and represent at kayaking, often for the first time.
The format is CRNZ's Kahawai, designed as a fun, engaging entry point into paddling competition. It aims to connect flatwater and sprint racing with the ocean, surf and river disciplines, rather than locking young paddlers into just one style.
Both individual and team events are on the programme, for boys and girls across the two year groups, raced off the beach at Pilot Bay. All equipment will be provided.
The final event information guide, provisional draw and practice session lists are now available online, through the CRNZ event calendar or on the Aims Games website.
