This Weekend: New Zealand’s National Extreme Water-Sports Event
Waterbourne is now New Zealand’s annual premier extreme water-sports event, after tripling in size.
Starting in 2017, Waterbourne is this year a three-day multi-faceted event, combining windsurfing, kitesurfing, and
stand-up paddleboarding in Wellington Harbour this Easter weekend.
Based from Eastbourne beaches, the event features the New Zealand Slalom Windsurfing Nationals, Kite Big Air Nationals,
the Waterbourne Ocean Clash, SUP racing, and the charity event ‘Paddle for Hope’.
Waterbourne will also hold the first stage of the Pacific Windsurf Cup, as well as providing up and coming windsurfers a
chance to gain wild card entries to the PWA World Tour.
Professional Windsurfer and event organiser Laurence Carey said Waterbourne had quadrupled in size this year, with over
65 competitors across the three sports.
“We’re four times bigger this year – there’s entries from athletes across New Zealand and the Pacific.
“We now have a national event for young athletes to test their skills and provide opportunities for professional
athletes to compete overseas.”
Laurence said the aim was to elevate Waterbourne into an internationally recognised sporting event.
“In a short amount of time New Zealand has begun to put its stamp on the international extreme water-sports scene.
“My ultimate goal is to have the event run at the same size and standard to overseas water sport events,” Laurence said.
The Waterbourne event will run from March 30th-April 1st, including the free Waterbourne Beach Party on Saturday 31st
March at Eastbourne’s Bishop Park with live music acts, food and drinks, market stalls and the Paddle for Hope.
ENDS