ANNUAL RAFT RACE HOSTED BY WELLINGTON RAFTING
Dive into a heart-pounding adventure like no other! Welcome to the "Battle of the Paddles," an annual raft race that sets the waters ablaze with fierce competition and adrenaline-fueled action. Gather your team and prepare for a showdown of epic proportions on the untamed Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River. Brace yourself for a day filled with excitement, breathtaking scenery, and the rush of the rapids.
Will your crew emerge as champions?
Let the battle begin!
TE AWA KAIRANGI/HUTT RIVER, UPPER HUTT
Next Battle - November 2024
It's a clash of champions as adrenaline-fueled teams take on the "Battle of the Paddles." With each crew comprising up to six skilled paddlers, the competition is fierce. They'll race through treacherous rapids and strive to conquer the currents in a bid for glory. Only the most skilled and united team will emerge victorious in this thrilling river showdown.
Congratulations to 2023's winners: The Victory Girls.
Check out the thrilling memories of the Battle of the Paddles 2023!
The river roared, and the competition was fierce, culminating in an epic victory for The Victory Girls. With their paddles cutting through the currents, they emerged as the champions of the Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River. Relive the excitement and triumph of this unforgettable event held on the 11th of November, Saturday, 2023.
What's Included
- Professional river guides for each race
- Safety equipment including helmets and personal flotation devices (life jackets)
- Long-distance race (4.5 kilometers) for each team
- Sprint races from the top of Maoribank Rapid (swimming hole) for a chance to qualify for the semi-finals and finals
- Locally carved trophy paddle with winners' names engraved
Event Logistics
Starting point of the Long Distance race:
Riverside car park on Akatarawa road opposite Gemstone drive.
Race finish line:
The flat section after the Maori bank rapid viewed
from state highway 2.
Team Logistics
The "Battle of the Paddles" is open to a maximum of 25 teams, each comprising of six team members. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure, where camaraderie, skill, and a thirst for victory will propel you through the exhilarating waters of the race! As you gear up for this thrilling experience, here's what you need to know about team logistics. From what to bring to essential details, let's dive into the logistics of this epic riverside rivalry.
Competitors must bring
- Running shoes suitable for getting wet (woolen or neoprene socks recommended)
- Fleece and thermal clothing for warmth on the river or bring your own wetsuit
- Warm clothes for between trips and a towel
- Sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses (hoping for beautiful weather)
Competion Prizes
Anticipate an exciting array of prizes for the next Battle of the Paddles in 2024! As we curate a collection of awards and experiences, we aim to deliver thrilling surprises for our winners. From exciting adventures to cultural explorations, the specifics of next year's prizes will be revealed closer to the event date. Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in 2024.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for 2023: Mana Communications, Waka Kapiti Eco Tours, Wild Kiwi Distilleries, Wildfinder, Dive Wellington, Brewtown, Amalgamated Helicopters, and the Upper Hutt City Council. Your generous support added an extra layer of excitement to the Battle of the Paddles 2023 event!
Lets give a special thanks
to the sponsors
for 2023!
Mana Communications
Wrote an article about us, made us many connections, endless promotions
manacommunications.com
Waka Kapiti Eco Tours
Donated a Waka sailboat tour and our custom carved Battle of the Paddles trophy paddles
wakakapiti.co.nz
Wild Kiwi Distilleries
Wild Kiwi has donated vouchers that will be given as prizes!
wildkiwidistillery.com
