Women on Whitewater Camp empowers female paddlers to overcome fear and build confidence

The Women on Whitewater (WOW) camp has proven to be a not-to-be-missed initiative, offering a supportive and empowering space for women in whitewater kayaking. Hosted by the Rotorua Awa Sports Club in partnership with the New Zealand Whitewater Academy (NZWA), the event was a long-time dream realised for organiser Susan Birch. Over a weekend in March, twelve women came together to paddle the Kaituna and Rangitaiki rivers, embracing new challenges, building confidence, and forming strong connections.

Many women struggle with self-doubt, fears, and the feeling of not belonging in adventure sports. Led by women, for women, WOW fostered an atmosphere of mutual trust and encouragement. With NZWA providing high-quality instruction and leadership, the camp allowed participants to share their concerns openly, learn from one another’s experiences, and push past self-imposed limitations. Through this journey, they not only improved their kayaking skills but also gained the confidence to embrace challenges beyond the river.

Aimed at beginner to intermediate paddlers, WOW was guided by a team of experienced
coaches who understand the unique experiences of women navigating whitewater. Each day focused on skill development, improving river-reading abilities, and setting personal goals. The camp concluded with an essential safety and rescue course, emphasizing risk awareness and decision-making under pressure.

The overwhelming response to the camp highlighted the strong demand for such initiatives. With only twelve available spots, the camp filled quickly, and many eager participants had to be turned away. This response reinforced the importance of creating more opportunities like WOW for women in the sport.

Throughout the weekend, participants described the experience as transformative. Many called it the best weekend they had ever had, with the enthusiasm and camaraderie being contagious. One particularly inspiring participant, a 55-year-old woman who had never been in a kayak before, captivated the group with her determination and rapid progress.

"Seeing these women support each other, push their limits, and gain confidence on the water was incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just a kayaking camp—it’s about personal growth and empowerment," said Susan.

Sport Bay of Plenty Young Women and Girls Lead, Luuka Jones, shared her thoughts on the initiative: "My role is focused on helping sports provide better experiences for females, and this camp is a great example of the benefit of these opportunities. It is important to create safe environments where females can learn at their own pace and feel supported to try new things, develop social connections, and have a great time in the outdoors."

Looking ahead, there is a strong desire to see WOW become an annual event, expanding its reach to more female paddlers. The success of this year’s camp has made it clear that women’s participation in adventure sports thrives in an environment of encouragement, trust, and shared experiences. With continued support, WOW has the potential to shape a new generation of confident and skilled female kayakers.