Cambridge to Hamilton 2026

Cambridge to Hamilton Paddle Race

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.

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

Online entries for this event have closed.

Race Details

Venue: Cambridge Boat Ramp, Dominion Ave. Only access is 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

Entry Info

Under 18yrs 23km (full) – $50

Under 18yrs 11km (half) – $40

Over 18yrs 23km (full) – $90

Over 18yrs 11km (half) – $70

Cruiser Division 23km (full) – $80

Cruiser Division 11km (half) – $60

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

Red Paddle Co Youth SUP Challenge sponsored by Waikato River Authority

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

CRNZ Youth Kayak Event sponsored by Waikato River Authority

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

Waikato River Authority Rangatahi Waka Ama Event

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

CycleTime Corp / Family / Team raced in Barracuda Duos

STANDARD includes double hire – $250
BRONZE includes double hire, 1x private lesson $300
SILVER includes double hire, 1x private lesson, 3x Sunday sessions $650.00
GOLD includes double hire, 1x private lesson, 6x Sunday sessions, stickers on boat, and race day promotion $850

All entry fee charges are in NZD.

Early bird entries end on the 1st August, after this date extra an $10 per person will apply.

Online Entries

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.

Refunds

We will refund the amount paid less a $10 admin fee if the entry is cancelled prior to Wednesday 12th Sept 2025.No refund will be paid after the 12th Sept 2025.

Cancellations

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.

Divisions

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

Additional Information

Kayak Hire

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

Paddleboard Hire

If you need to hire a Paddle Board, a range of boards from the Boatshed please contact via email theboatshed@xtra.co.nz

Info on Cruising Division Race

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.

Other Details

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.

Check Clean Dry

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.

Bio Securiy

See website for details

Event Safety

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.

Major Race Sponsors

The Cambridge to Hamilton Paddle Race are grateful for the ongoing support of::

Hamilton City Council

Hamilton City Council looks after the parks, paths and river reserves that make Kirikiriroa such a good place to get outdoors. Their backing helps bring events like this one to the city.

hamilton.govt.nz

Waikato River Authority

A co-governance body of river iwi and Crown representatives, working to restore and protect the health of the Waikato and Waipā rivers for future generations. It funds clean-up and restoration projects the length of the awa.

waikatoriver.org.nz

Perry Foundation

A Hamilton-based charitable trust with a long record of backing Waikato community, education, health and recreation projects. Their funding helps local initiatives get off the ground and keeps them going year after year.

perry.co.nz

With thanks to: