Welcome to our network site.
The Southland Sea Kayaking Network "SSKN" was formed in late 2003 after a meeting was advertised for all people interested in this activity to attend. Numbers were sufficient enough to form the network and provide a platform and support structure whereby people of the south could collectively participate in all things sea kayaking. From our initial meeting of 30+ people we have now put together in a short amount of time a network of 125+ people with many more anticipated as we gain momentum and awareness.
Several common themes were apparent in sea kayaking in the south:
- Excellent paddling opportunities abound in the region from the inner harbours and bays of the Catlins, Stewart Island, Fiordland to the large rivers and lakes of the Southern interior.
- Sea kayaking was fragmented in Southland and needed a body like our network to bring all aspects of the sport together.
- There are a large number of participants in the sport with numbers growing and expertise ranging from novices to veterans of 15+ years in the sport.
The SSKN has adopted the following goals to foster the sport in Southland:
- A forum for people to organise trips with other paddlers.
- Provide opportunities for members to up skill and improve their abilities through organised network training, trips and forums.
- Grading for each network member so they can gauge where they are at, and match that ability to trips that the network organises.
- Create a database of trips possible in our locality and relevant information pertaining to those for network members to access.
- Promote safety, through the following mediums:
- Correct kayak and gear purchase through recommended retail outlets.
- External training opportunities and forums.
- Recommend membership to "KASK" Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers, our national body for the sport.
If this sounds like you or you would like to know more about our network & sport please feel free to contact one of our committee members or attend one of our meetings.
Safe Paddling.
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