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!
Competition Prizes
We've already got over $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs at this year's Battle of the Paddles!
First place prize: A full day epic helicopter access wilderness rafting trip for your whole rafting team down the Waiohine river! Gourmet lunch halfway down the trip and insane views of some of Wellingtons most unreached locations.
Second place prize: Canyoning tour through the little Akatarawa canyon for the whole crew. Zipline into the canyon then abseil down waterfalls, jump off rocks and soak in some pristine freshwater!
Third place prize: A gorgeous day of biking for the whole team along the Rimutaka incline trail on E-bikes with thanks to the crew from Wildfinder.
We have heaps of other spot prizes available from rock climbing vouchers, diving courses, overnight stays at resorts and more, there is so much to be won!
A big thank you to our 2023 sponsors who have already agreed to sponsor this years event; Amalgamated Helicopters, Dive Wellington, Wildfinder and Wild Kiwi Distilleries. This event would not be possible without the support from these legends!
The entry fee is $1500 per team, with a minimum of four and maximum of six team members.
TE AWA KAIRANGI/HUTT RIVER, UPPER HUTT
Next Battle - Saturday, the 2nd of November 2024
Gather your team and gear up for the ultimate showdown at this year's Battle of the Paddles! It will be an epic day full of excitement and laughter for the whole crew!
Not only will you and your team have a blast at the event, but 20% ($300) of your team entry fee will support one of four local youth organizations (Graeme Dingle Foundation, Boys and Girls Institute, Youth Town Upper Hutt & Brothers of Tangaroa), granting them an unforgettable adventure with Wellington Rafting. But that's not all - during the race, you'll not only be competing for your own glory but also aiming to secure an additional $1000 in funding for your selected Youth Organization if your team emerges victorious! So, rally your crew, get ready to paddle, and let the adventure begin!
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
- Minimum of 2 races per team (1 long race & 1 sprint race)
- ‘Battle of the Paddles 2024' race shirts for each competitor
- 20% of registration fees used to fund 1 of 4 different selected Rangatahi organizations on an epic adventure with Wellington Rafting
- Professional river guide, guiding you down the awa
- Winning teams name/company name engraved on locally carved trophy
- Sausage sizzle and drink for each competitor at the halftime interval
Event Logistics
The day will start at 8am with an event briefing explaining the finer details of the event.
The first heat will start by 9am with each team competing in a long race starting from the Riverside car park on Akatarawa road opposite Gemstone drive racing all the way down to the flat section after Maori bank rapid.
Winning teams automatically secure a spot in the semifinal, whilst all other teams have one more attempt to get into semifinals by racing in the events first sprint races for the day which run from the top of Maori bank rapid down to the flat section after the rapid.
Spectators are able to watch the event from almost anywhere along the awa, the most suitable viewing spot being near the finish line at Maoribank rapid where we will have live music, food and MCs commentating each race.
Team Logistics
The "Battle of the Paddles" is open to a maximum of 20 teams, each comprising of up to six team members. As you gear up for this thrilling experience, here's all you need to know about team logistics.
Competitors must bring:
- Running shoes suitable for getting wet (woolen or neoprene socks recommended)
- Fleece and thermal clothing for warmth on the river
- Wetsuit (These can be hired from Wellington Rafting prior to the event)
- Warm clothes for between trips and a towel
- Sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses (hoping for beautiful weather)
We provide:
- Helmets
- Life Jackets
- Rafts & Paddles
- Qualified guides for each boat
All racers need to sign in at 8am on race day. From there, there will be a safety briefing and overview of further event details. You are welcome to come and go between races but must be back on sight 30min prior to the start of your next race (race schedule will be sent out closer to the day).
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
Wild Kiwi Distilleries
Wild Kiwi has donated vouchers that will be given as prizes!
wildkiwidistillery.com
