New look to old favourite! The Woodstock Race Series

Sam and I are excited to announce some changes to our Woodstock Series. We have been working hard behind the scenes on our race plans and ideas. We are always looking for opportunities to continue to improve these events. A big driving force that really inspires us with these races is providing the opportunity for new paddlers to get out on the river when they often don’t know where to start. From meeting other paddlers to having their first few kilometres of independent paddling, our races will provide these experiences and more. For our seasoned paddlers it’s all about the excitement of racing and pushing your limits. We love to see the competitive spirt in action amongst so many of our top paddlers. 

This year, just like the winter race series we are going to extend the series to include one more race. This will see the series move to 4 races. We have identified the need for a bit more time on the river in January. This is the perfect opportunity to be fine tuning your race fuel, race gear and drink systems, but it’s always a long drive from Christchurch just to paddle from Woodstock…….

Introducing the Woodstock to Pitts Road Course 

Race One and Race Two will follow the same current format. The race will start at Woodstock and the finish line will be the Gorge Bridge. This course follows the same route as the final section of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. 

Race Three and Race Four we are introducing a new race course. These two races will see the finish line move down stream to Pitts Road. This is 14kms downstream from the Gorge Bridge. This will make the race a total of 28kms. The longer race reflects the need for paddlers to be increasing their fitness and river skills as we get closer to the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, where you will be paddling 70km and may have you on the water for 5 to 6 hours and for some even longer. 

The skills you will need to have to complete the Woodstock Races successfully include braid reading, negotiating hazards and great boat control. There is a an opportunity to practice your bluff paddling skills. This is a key skill you need to have mastered before getting your boat wet through the Gorge. 

You do not need to have your Grade II Certificates for these races. However you do need to have equivalent experience. You must have completed a Grade II Course and be working towards your certificate sign off. If you have not completed a course you need to have equivalent experience and good skills to negotiate the hazards on this section of rive safely. 

We look forward to welcoming everyone to the river with us for some good old fashioned kayak racing.

For more details visit www.topsportracing.co.nz

Race One – Sunday 21^st September 2025

Race Two – Sunday 19^th October 2025

Race Three – Sunday 30^th November 2025

Race Four – Sunday 18^th January 2026