Kai Iwi Training Camp 2026

Kai Iwi registrations are open open to all regions.

Each summer, the dragon boat community descends on the stunning Kai Iwi Lakes for a weekend of paddling, learning, and lakeside camping. Now in its 17th year, this training camp brings together paddlers, steerers, and coaches from across the region for a weekend of skill-building, connection, and fresh-air fun.

🛶 What it’s all about

The camp is designed to give everyone time on the water, time to learn, and time to connect with others in the paddling community. Expect a mix of structured sessions and chilled lake vibes - perfect for fine-tuning technique, trying something new, and getting inspired.

• Take part in practical, on-water workshops with experienced coaches

• Meet paddlers from other clubs and train alongside them

• Take a boat out for a sunrise paddle or cruise at sunset

• Learn from off-water chats, including specialist sessions for sweeps

• Enjoy a relaxed, communal camping experience with good food and even better company

📍 Location: Kai Iwi Lakes, Northland

Just under three hours from Auckland, these freshwater lakes are known for their crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. It’s an unforgettable place to paddle - and camp.

We stay at the Prominade Point campground.

🏕️ Coaches and sweeps pay for camping only!

You don't need to be a team coach to coach at Kai Iwi. If you'd like to lead a session, let us know what you'd like to coach when you register. This could be 'new paddler basics', 'technique development', 'race starts', 'off water training', 'transitions', 'intense training', whatever you think would be valuable. We may pair you with another coach who registers so you can run sessions together. Our Development Coordiantor will also be offering sweep training for anyone interested. 

If you're a confident sweep, and you're keen to sweep during the camp - even just for 1 session, let us know in your registration. 

🏕️ The camping setup

• We’re staying at a non-powered site, so bring torches, fully charged devices, and anything else you need to go off-grid

• Toilets are available onsite (no long drops!), and showers can be found a few minutes’ drive away

• The lake is perfect for swimming and washing off after training

🛍️ Before you arrive

• The last supermarket is in Dargaville, about 30 minutes from the campsite

• Talk with your teammates about shared meals and who’s bringing what

• Carpooling is encouraged—great for saving on fuel and easing campsite parking

• If you’re driving, remember to enter your number plate in your registration

🗓 Weekend schedule snapshot

🏕️ Training sessions

Because coaches choose their own session focus and paddlers can request what they want to learn, the final programme will be shaped by who signs up. Sessions run at the same time and most will repeat later in the day so you won’t miss out. 

Friday 13 February

• Arrive from 12:00pm

• Set up camp and settle in

• 5.30pm: Sunset Paddle 🌅

• BBQ dinner and stargazing vibes

Saturday 14 February

• 7:00am: Sunrise Paddle

• 9:30am – 11:00am: Training Session 1

• 12:00pm: Lunch & Learn (pending)

• 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Training Session 2

• 3:00pm: Fun races

• 4:00pm: Boat pack down, Lake dip, dinner

• 7pm (ish): Kai Iwi's Got Talent is BACK! Winners get prizes!

Kai Iwi's Got Talent

After a few years off the roster, Kai Iwi’s Got Talent is making its triumphant return. Saturday night is your moment to shine, surprise, or mildly confuse your fellow paddlers with whatever hidden (or questionable) talent you’re bringing to the lakeside.

Bring a skill, a skit, a song, a dance, or something wonderfully strange. Solo or group acts welcome, the more chaotic the better. This is all about fun, community, and the magic that happens when tired paddlers get creative after dinner.

What we’re looking for

• Acts under 3 minutes

• Entertainment value – something that gets a reaction

• Effort & commitment – go all in

• Originality – unique ideas or dragon boat twists

• Crowd reaction – the audience decides your fate

This camp is all about good paddling, great people, and the kind of memories that stick around long after the tents come down.

Cancellations and payments

Please make your payment as soon as possible. The entire campsite has been booked and we must pay in advance. No refunds of cancelled after Sunday 1st February. 

Spaces fill fast. Be ready for a weekend that feels like summer should.

If camping spots fill up, don't worry, you can book a camping spot in the main site across the lake directly with the campground, a short 5 min drive away.