Christmas Day this year heralds a flight to China for Alexandra’s whitewater kayaker Nick Collier.

Nick is one of four in the New Zealand team paddling in the Nu Jiang Wildwater Canoeing International Open, part of a whirlwind eight day trip made up of three days of training, three days of racing, and travel time.  

The racing is on in Baoshan, China, and he will be kayaking on the Salween River, also known as the Nujiang or Nu River, in four events - the Men's K1 Short Distance, Men's K1 Long Distance, Men's Kayak Cross and Men's K1 Challenge. 

Nick said the trip came as a massive surprise and he wants to perform at his best.

“Just two months ago the Chinese Canoe Association sent me an invitation to compete. I jumped at the opportunity, racing tends to occur in Europe so this is a fantastic chance to race in the Asian kayaking community and experience their culture. 

“My invite was a result of my silver medal result at the under 23 world championships earlier this year.”

Former Dunstan High School student, now at Waikato University, Nick said he’s been training hard on the local Clutha River slalom course and he is feeling strong, confident and prepared leading up to the racing.

“Fifteen nations are attending, which will make for some tight racing and an exciting competition. The Salween River looks considerably similar to the Kawarau . . . promising news as I'll hopefully feel comfortable and familiar over there.”

Nick at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Krakow, Poland. PHOTO: Supplied 

His training has been 12 times a week while working part-time, completing a university summer paper and organising the local canoe polo league. 

He is on the Clutha River slalom course eight times, has four sessions in the gym and whitewater kayak training on the Kawarau, Hawea and Tekapo rivers too. 

In the whitewater at the Tekapo River course. PHOTO: Debra Nichol

Three female paddlers are also in the team heading to China; River Mutton, Dayla Ward and Millie Chamberlain. 

The Chinese Canoe Association is covering the costs of the competition.

Nick thanks sponsors Colliers Otago Rural and Agribusiness, Skeggs Foundation, Hausbau Construction Wānaka, and ICL Chartered Accountants. Their support will enable him to go to the under 23 (23) World Championship in Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia in July 2024, as he has been pre-selected for the New Zealand U23 kayak cross team. 

There is no livestream, but Nick’s progress can be followed on his Instagram account @nick_collier_ .

Kayak cross is a combination of all white water disciplines, raced in identical plastic creek boats. Paddlers negotiate downstream and upstream buoys, and contact is allowed. A compulsory kayak roll, (a complete 360 degree flip) needs to be completed. 

Disqualification can be due to breaking the start, missing a buoy, dangerous paddling, or failing the roll. It is tactical and paddlers have choices, including which side of the course they take.

Read more: Alexandra paddler’s ‘dream comes true’ with silver medal.