Why Paddle For Hope?

There are few causes that touch so many people as breast cancer. In fact, each year one in nine New Zealand men will lose a mother, sister, daughter or wife to breast cancer. Help to reduce the number of New Zealanders who develop or die from breast cancer, and improve the lives of those affected, by getting on board with the Starboard Paddle for Hope.

A fun relay race for families, workmates and friends

The Paddle for Hope is a teams event in recognition of the fact that family and peer support is integral to fighting and beating breast cancer, and that physical exercise is an essential part of rehabilitation. Get your team together and enter today.

What is Stand Up Paddle boarding?

SUP is Stand Up Paddle boarding, a traditional Hawaiian pastime, that's become the world's fastest growing sport. You stand on an over-sized surfboard and propel yourself across the water with a long single bladed paddle. With the right board and a few wise words of instruction, anyone can be on the water in minutes, having the time of their life. There are few activities as instantly addictive as SUP.

Free SUP Lessons

To have a go at Stand Up Paddle boarding come to Judges Bay, Parnell, on Sunday 2 October 12-3pm. Free lessons on top quality Starboard gear with some of NZ's top Stand Up Paddlers, the Starboard Dream Team, will cover technique, water safety and give participants a chance to get on the water for about 20 mins each. RSVP here or check out starboard.co.nz for nationwide lessons and board hire.

Event Format

Race day is Saturday 15th October, in the Western Viaduct Harbour, downtown Auckland. Each person will paddle once around a fixed course (approx 600m) that runs in a North-South direction along the Western Viaduct Marina, before handing over the board and paddle to the next team member at the bottom of the Gateway Plaza steps. There will be a maximum of 50 teams with 4 people per team. Total distance 2400m. Expected time 15 min per person.

A spectator spectacular

To make the event even more fun and a fantastic spectacle for onlookers and media alike, we want everyone to go the extra mile and do the event in fancy dress - pink of course.

Supporters and admiring fans are free to watch the action from anywhere along the wharf or steps. There is a particularly good view from the new Wynyard Crossing pedestrian bridge.

Charity Auction

Immediately after the event, paddlers, supporters, celebrities and sponsors are invited to attend a charity auction and prize giving at Snapdragon Kitchen & Bar where you can bid for awesome prizes donated by our generous sponsors. See the auction items here. It should all be complete by 3.00pm giving everyone plenty of time to get to wherever they're going to watch the rugby that evening.

Don't miss out. Enter your team ASAP!

This event is going to be huge with lots of celebs and media taking part. Entries are limited so if you want to support The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and have a lot of fun, enter your team of four now.

Water Safety

Safety is our top concern on the day. So lifesavers will be on the water amongst the paddlers to help in the unlikely event that anyone needs it. There will be rescue boats and water patrol on skis too. St John's First Aid personnel will be in attendance as well.

Drop-off area and parking

The Wynyard Quarter is easy to get to from both sides of the harbour bridge.

Board Drop-Off Zone: If you are bringing a board to use in the event, please drive to the drop-off zone located outside the Viaduct Events Centre, corner Halsey St and Jellicoe St, between 9.30 and 10.30am. You will be directed by traffic management volunteers and your board will be delivered by runners to a secure storage area next to the start.

Parking: Once you've dropped off your gear, 240min public parking is available nearby on the street and in the Jellicoe Street Car Park (please share transport if possible, as this area will be very busy)