The Cambridge to Hamilton Paddle Race is an iconic Hamilton event, situated on the beautiful Waikato River. This event is open to both serious and recreational paddlers alike.
About The Event
- The paddle race is open to all types and classes of boats, from Stand up Paddleboards to Wakas.
- Competitors start at the riverside reserve in Cambridge and work there way 25km down stream to the finish line at the Waikato Sports Fishing Club/ Hamilton city Hawks Club rooms.
- For those wanting to tackle a lesser distance, there is also the option of entering the 11km half from the narrows landing.
- Waikato River Authority Sponsors Rangatahi Paddle Race
- For all juniors kayak,SUP and Waka Ama paddlers, we provide kayaks and sups ,and waka ama club will provide Wakas .This division has free entry thanks to WRA sponsorship
VIEW RACE RESULTS HERE
Additional Information
Race Details
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Cambridge Start Times
Venue: Cambridge Boat Ramp ,Dominion Ave ,only access from Williamson St
7-00am to 8-30 am Rego
9-00am Race Briefing
9-30am Cruiser div, and sit on tops
9-35 am SUPs under 12ft 6”
9-40 am SUPs 12” 6 and over
9-45am Sea Kayak singles
9-50 am Corp Doubles ,Wakas 2 ,adventure race doubles
9-55 am Club skis ,and Prone boards
10 00 am Multisport Singles ,and wakas singles
10-05am Surf skis ,K1s ,Surfski doubles ,K2s
10-10 am Waka 6 ,Surf boats
Narrows Start times
Venue: Narrow Boat Ramp off Narrows Lane
10-50am Briefing
11am Youth SUPs 11km
11-05 am Youth Kayaks 11km
11-10 All others 11km
These times are only approximate ,and subject to change on the day !
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If you need to hire a kayak or any kayaking apparel a range of sea and multisport kayaks are available through The Boatshed Kayaks Ltd. Contact us either via email theboatshed@xtra.co.nz
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If you need to hire a Paddle Board, a range of boards from the Boatshed please contact via email theboatshed@xtra.co.n
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After the success of last year we have kept the cruising division. This is to encourage anyone who hasn’t paddled this section of the Waikato River before to get out and have ago .The cruising division will start ahead of the main field. There will be no timing provided for this group, hence the lower cost. This means no age group prizes, but you will be placed in the draw for spot prizes.
So if you know of anyone who would enjoy giving this paddle ago, this is the option for them .It will be a very safe time to explore this beautiful section of the Waikato river, with all of the other paddlers and safety boats out there, and provide a great Sunday activity.
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- Competitors should, where possible, bring their own driver to avoid having to return to the start of the race and possibly miss the Prize giving.
- Age categories – competitors must be the age specified in the category, on the day of the event.
- Bring money. Food not included in the entry.
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Stop the Spread
The Cambridge to Hamilton Race is taking place right in the middle of the Gold Clam incursion zone. These unwanted aquatic pests, as well as invasive plants and fish can be easily transported between waterways on contaminated gear and clothing. Their juveniles are highly abundant, microscopic and have sticky mucus threads, so you may not even be aware that you are transporting them. Help stop the spread of freshwater pests between lakes and rivers through your actions, CHECK CLEAN DRY.
How to Check Clean Dry:
CHECK: All your equipment and remove any visible matter such as shells, weed or algae.
CLEAN: Thoroughly spray all of your hard surface equipment with a high powered water hose to physically dislodge juvenile clams and other pests. For absorbent materials such as wetsuits and lifejackets, place these in hot water (50°C+) for 5 minutes or freeze them overnight.
DRY: All gear must be completely dry for 48 hours before it can enter another waterway.
This applies prior to arriving at the event and immediately post-event.
Entry Info
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- Under 18yrs 23km (full) – $40
- Under 18yrs 11km (half) – $30
- Over 18yrs 23km (full) – $80
- Over 18yrs 11km (half) – $60
- Cruiser Division 23km (full) – $70
- Cruiser Division 11km (half) – $50
- Waka 6 man 23km (full) – $200
- Surf Boat 23km (full) – $200
- Surf Canoe $140
- Early entries fees above finish on the 1st August from then on, an extra $10 pp applies to all entries
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- u12 – Free
- u14 – Free
- u16 – Free
- u19 – Free
School Sup entries include Red Paddle Co Board, PFD, Paddle, Safety boat on water.
Free entry will be limited to the first 16 paddlers entered
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- u12 – Free
- u14 – Free
- u16 – Free
- u19 – Free
School Kayak entries include Surfski Kayak, PFD, Paddle, Safety boat on water.
Free entry will be limited to the first 20 paddlers entered
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- u12 – Free
- u14 – Free
- u16 – Free
- u19 – Free
- You must contact your local Waka Ama Club to provide you waka for the race
- We will provide PFDs and safety boat on water
- Free entry will be limited to the first 24 paddlers entered
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- STANDARD includes double hire – $220
- BRONZE includes double hire, 1x private lesson $275
- SILVER includes double hire, 1x private lesson, 6x Sunday sessions $550.00
- GOLD includes double hire, 1x private lesson, 6x Sunday sessions, stickers on boat, and race day promotion $750
All entry fee charges are in NZD.
Early bird entries end on the 1st July, after this date extra an $10 per person will apply.
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You will receive an email confirmation of your entry immediately from the entry system. If you don’t receive this you can login and resend it to yourself.
For payments made via Credit Card, the name which will appear on your customer statement will be THE BOATSHED KAYAKS.
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We will refund the amount paid less $10 admin fee if entries are cancelled prior to Wednesday 20th September 2023. No refund will be paid after 20th September 2023.
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In extreme weather or Force Majeure the event may be cancelled at any time. In this situation entry fees are non -refundable, although we will do our best to reschedule the event.
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The following divisions are available:
- Cruiser (un-timed open to all types of paddle powered vessels-not eligible for medals)
- K1
- K2
- Multisport – single
- Adventure Race Double
- Sea Kayak single – plastic
- Sea Kayak single – composite
- Sea Kayak – double
- Waka – single
- Waka – two or more person
- Waka – six man
- Canoe
- Surf Ski – single
- Surf Ski – double
- 3m Single Plastic Sit on Top
- 3m-4m Single Plastic Sit on Top
- 4m+ Single Plastic Sit on Top
- Double Plastic Sit on Top
- Stand up Paddleboard 12’6 and under
- Stand up Paddleboard over 12’6
- Corporate/ Family Double
- SURF Boat
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The Family/corporate double 23km (full course) includes kayak hire.
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- Race numbers to be displayed on the left-hand side of your vessel.
- Approved buoyancy aids MUST BE WORN on the water and positive buoyancy devices installed in all craft.
- If a competitor pulls out, they must inform the nearest marshal as soon as possible. Rescue craft will be available, but competitors are expected to assist others when required and apply for time compensation from officials.
- One major hazards of paddling the Waikato River are the willow trees along the side, please be cautious that if you are a relatively in-experienced paddler we advise you to stick to the middle of the river and in the event of a capsize place yourself on the upstream side of your craft.
