KASK was set up to promote and encourage the sport of sea kayaking, promote safety standards, develop techniques and equipment, deal with issues of coastal access and protection, organize a biennial sea kayaking forum and publish the New Zealand Sea Kayaker Newsletter.
The Sea Canoeist Newsletter was initiated by Graham Egarr in 1988, and he also organized the first national Sea Kayak Forum in 1989 at Mapua, near Nelson. After Graham’s death in 1991, the newsletter editorship passed on to Paul Caffyn. It has now been renamed as the New Zealand Sea Kayaker magazine and is a full-colour magazine produced six times a year in electronic format.
KASK is the national association for sea kayaking for New Zealand. You can join here. Full member benefits outlined here.
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President
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Magazine
Website
Nelson/Tasman
Gisbourne/East Cape
Northland
Auckland Region
Wanganui/Taranaki
Hawkes Bay
Canterbury region
Wellington Region
KASK run a weekend event at Waihi focusing on Surfing, if you are keen to get out in the surf and have fun then check out the details for the next event in the events section of the website. A series of instructional videos are available here
We are in the early planning stages for the next Kayak Fest, just so you get as much advance warning as we can give here’s the dates to reserve in your diary:
When: February 25-28, 2027
To Whet your appetite here’s what one of the International coaches had to say about the 2025 event:
KASK Kayak Fest 2025:
“Every two years, New Zealand becomes the gathering place for one of the most exciting and unique event—KASK Fest. It’s not just another symposium or paddling event; it’s a celebration of community, camaraderie, and personal growth. KASK Fest is a rare opportunity for paddlers of all skill levels, backgrounds, and experiences to come together, share knowledge, push their boundaries, and forge lasting connections.
What sets KASK Fest apart from other paddling events is its deep-rooted focus on community. The sense of belonging starts the moment participants arrive, whether they roll in with their vehicles, pitch tents, or reconfigure their campers. The venue becomes a temporary paddling village, where everyone sets up their base and settles in for a few days of learning, adventure, and camaraderie. The festival draws people from across the globe, each person contributing their unique energy to the experience.“
The Sea Canoeist Newsletter was initiated by Graham Egarr in 1988, who also organized the first national Sea Kayak Forum in 1989 at Mapua, near Nelson. After Graham’s death in 1991, the newsletter editorship passed on to Paul Caffyn. Jacquie James took over editorship of the magazine from issue 202.
For the complete archive of the magazines and for future publications, join KASK today.
If you are not currently a member, this is the best time to join KASK.
© 2023 Kiwi Association of Sea kayakers