Paddling by a Beginner: Getting to Coast to Coast.

If you've ever looked at the Coast to Coast and thought, "Let's give that a whirl," you're not alone!

When two of Josie's friends asked her to join their team as the paddler, how could she say no? She just had to learn to paddle...

"In November last year, I wanted to learn a new skill. And I also wanted to compete in a multisport race. Paddling seemed like the best option because it meant I could do both! Initially, I had my sights set on The Clifftop Challenge, but when this was cancelled my sights quickly transitioned to Coast to Coast!

So why Coast to Coast? I was the support crew for my best friend and her dad doing the tandem in 2023, and then again for some family friends this year and I fell in love. The atmosphere, the people, the vibes! It was such a cool event and made me want to do the whole thing one day! When my friends Chelle and Gareth asked if I wanted to kayak for their 2 day, 3 person team, it seemed like the perfect way to get into the event. Plus, I get to spend the weekend with my best buddies!

As soon as I started paddling, I loved it. I picked it up quickly and enjoyed improving at each session. Coming from a running background I like that kayaking has a low impact on the body and makes you incredibly strong, too! It's also fun learning a new skill as an adult!

Now, to do Coast to Coast, you need to have your "Grade 2." What does that even mean? Your Grade 2 is a certificate you require to compete in kayak races on class 2 water. This includes Coast to Coast, Challenge Wanaka Multi, the Further Faster Classic, the Clutha Classic, and others. Generally, you would complete this course in your multisport boat, but you can also do it in a whitewater kayak as the skills are quite transferable. You'll learn everything you'll need to know to safely paddle on class 2 water, which is what you'll be paddling for Coast to Coast. Things like different paddling techniques, self-rescue and identifying river features and hazards, to name a few!

So, after paddling on the Avon River for 5 months on relatively still water, in April I sat my Grade 2 and finally got to try some moving water!

What you might also be wondering, is what gear is recommended for the course or common for races, so here's what I had on me:

1. Multisport kayak and Paddle.
2. Spray Skirt with a bottle pocket, Helmet, PFD, Booties, Sunnies and a Spray Jacket.
3. A bladder filled with Tailwind (stored in my PDF), and lots of snacks (also in my PFD).
4. A Drybag filled with all other compulsory gear - they will have a list of this for whatever race you are competing in, so make sure you check this over before getting your gear together for the race (or course) in question. This can be things like warm layers, a first aid kit etc.

Some bonus tips about gear:

1. I like a PFD that you can put a bladder in (that also fits the requirements of your compulsory gear).
2. A loop on your sunnies that ties around the back of your head so they don't fall off when you fall in!
3. A spray skirt with a pocket so you can add snacks/extra water bottle!

As well as doing your Grade 2, watching technique videos on YouTube or booking in with a coach who can make you more efficient are great ideas - 4/5 hours is a long time in a kayak so having good technique can save a lot of time and energy! (I am lucky enough to be coached by the excellent Rosie Rhodes at Freedom Fitness - she also runs Tuesday morning sessions on The Avon to improve your paddling fitness!)

It also helps to find some buddies who can take you out on moving water and, if you're doing Coast to Coast, make sure you get on the Waimakariri before race day, so you can be more prepared and know what to expect.

If you're thinking about getting into paddling, multisport or Coast to Coast, learn to kayak ASAP and get out as much as possible because it's a skill that takes time to develop. And it's really fun!"

Josie Dixon is a trail runner, hiker and soon-to-be Coast to Coast paddler! She likes nothing more than grabbing some friends and heading out into the mountains for an epic day or two - make sure you check out all her adventures here @josie.ventures

Josie's Top three gear tips for beginner multisport paddlers: 

1. Get a PFD with a place to put your water bladder in. 

2. Make sure your sunglasses have a strap that ties round the back of your head so when you fall in your glasses don't fall off. 

3. Get a Spray Skirt that has a pocket in it so you can store extra food and a water bottle.