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3 March, 2021
Paddle-boarding worlds poised to come to Takapuna
The 2023 world paddle-boarding championships are likely to be held off Takapuna Beach. New Zealand Stand Up Paddle Boarding has been in negotiations with the International Canoe Federation to host the event, with only the final details to be confirmed.
“We have been told we can hold it if we want it,” said committee member Bill Dawes, who is spearheading the project.
“We are very keen to have it here, but obviously we want to do it the Kiwi way.”
For example, the geography of Auckland allowed racing at various venues, such as the Viaduct and Lake Pupuke as well as Takapuna Beach.
The New Zealand group also wanted to include a schools championship, masters and youth racing.
“We want to make it as inclusive as we can… a bit like what happens every Tuesday [at the Harcourts Beach Series] on Takapuna Beach.”
The timing of the world champs, which would attract 500 paddlers, was still to be decided. Takapuna was ideally placed in April – the water was still warm, and it was shoulder tourist season which would offer a boost to businesses.
World paddle-boarding champs were normally held in October/November which were often unstable weather months in Auckland.
“We want it to happen, it’s just a matter of making it work,” Dawes said.
Meanwhile, locals can get a taste of paddle-board racing off Takapuna Beach on 12, 13 and 14 March, when the national champs are held as part of the Waterbourne Festival. A field of 150 to 200 is expected.
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