Surf ski paddling is an ocean paddling sport using a long, narrow sit-on-top kayak (surf ski) to race on the ocean — riding waves, racing through surf, and competing over open water. New Zealand's coastline makes it ideal surf ski country. Paddle NZ and Surf Life Saving New Zealand govern surf ski racing. This guide covers the key funding sources for NZ surf ski clubs.
Paddle NZ governs surf ski and ocean paddling:
- Surf ski ocean racing
- National championship events
- World Surf Ski Championship pathway
Contact Paddle NZ and your state paddle body for Sport NZ investment access.
Surf Life Saving NZ has a surf ski racing community:
- Surf patrol rescue craft includes surf ski
- Lifesaving competitions include surf ski events
- Clubs affiliated with SLSNZ can access lifesaving investment
Sport NZ funds surf ski through Paddle NZ:
- National programme investment
- Ocean paddling community development
RSTs fund community surf ski clubs.
RSTs fund surf ski clubs:
- Equipment grants for skis and safety gear
- Junior development
- Women's ocean paddling
Key RSTs:
- Aktive Auckland: Auckland ocean paddling community — east and west coast access
- Sport Wellington: Wellington surf ski community
- Sport Canterbury: Canterbury surf ski and ocean paddling
- Sport Otago: Southern NZ ocean paddling
Gaming trusts fund surf ski clubs:
- Four Winds Foundation: Community sport organisations
- Grassroots Trust: Youth sport and recreation
- Pub Charity: Equipment and community grants
- Lion Foundation: Community sport
Gaming trust applications for surf ski:
- Surf skis — $2,000–$5,000 each
- Paddles — $150–$600 each
- PFDs and leashes (safety equipment)
- Surf ski storage racks
- Club trailer for transport
Key equipment:
- Surf ski: 5–7m long sit-on-top kayak — $2,000–$5,000+
- Paddle: Wing paddle — $150–$600
- PFD: Mandatory safety equipment
- Leash: Connecting paddler to ski
- Nose guard and fins
Surf ski safety in NZ:
- Surf competency: Required for ocean paddling safety
- Water Safety NZ: Shared water safety priorities
- Self-rescue: Essential skills for surf ski paddlers
Water safety framing is valuable in NZ grant applications.
Junior development:
- Youth divisions: Junior ocean paddling competition
- Club junior programmes: Introduction to ocean paddling for youth
- Schools paddle: Coastal school programmes
Women's participation:
- Active women's divisions: Strong female surf ski racing community
- Sport NZ women in sport: Female participation investment
Masters is a major surf ski participation segment:
- Age-grade categories: 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ and beyond
- Very active masters community in NZ ocean paddling
Lottery Outdoor Leisure and Sport: Outdoor ocean sport including surf ski clubs and equipment.
Strong applications demonstrate:
- Participant numbers: Paddlers by age, gender, and competitive level
- Surf skis: Specific numbers, ages, and condition — replacement or loan fleet justified
- Safety equipment: PFDs and leashes as primary safety items
- Junior development: Youth ocean paddling pathway
- Women's participation: Female paddlers
- Masters programme: Senior athlete community
- Organisation governance: Affiliation to Paddle NZ or SLSNZ state body
Tahua's grants management platform helps surf ski clubs manage grant applications across Paddle NZ, SLSNZ, Sport NZ, RSTs, and gaming trusts, tracking ski fleet, safety, and participation outcomes.