Five former and current Dunstan High School (DHS) students showed their paddling prowess on the national stage last week.

The New Zealand Canoe Slalom National Championships were held at the Mangahao Power Station near Shannon on October 3-6. 

In the K1 Men’s final the top four placings went to Central Otago athletes with Paris Olympic gold medalist Finn Butcher placing first, Nick Collier second, Tom Goldsmith third and younger brother Ollie fourth.

DHS year 13 student Ollie (17) won in the under 18 category while Quinn McCutcheon (15) earned a second place in under 16. 

The group honed their skills with the Central Otago Whitewater (COW) club becoming what Nick called “lifelong paddlers”. 

Nick said COW paddlers grew up kayaking in various forms, including canoe polo, canoe freestyle and whitewater kayaking.

“This cross-training culminates in paddlers' who are comfortable on harder rapids and, importantly, have the most fun on the river,” he said.

Nick coached Quinn in his first season and said it was brilliant to watch his progress and have him competing alongside older club members.

“His silver medal in under 16 is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has shown. 

“While most Central Otago residents were sheltering inside over winter, Quinn was training in all conditions, including snow.”

Nick Collier (left) checks out Finn Butcher's Olympic gold medal at Mangahao,. PHOTO: Supplied 

Nick received some help from Finn prior to national champs.

“After struggling with one section of the course all weekend, before the final Finn gave me a few tips, and sure enough, it worked exactly as he said.” 

Nick said his next goal was to qualify for the New Zealand team in U23 canoe slalom and kayak cross as well as the senior kayak cross team. Selection will be based on events in Australia in January and February.  

Tom Goldsmith, who is in his first year studying law at the University of Waikato, said the third placing had boosted his confidence for New Zealand team selection races and the upcoming season.

“I’m pretty happy.. I couldn’t have done much better than [third]. Having a one, two, three and four for Central Otago was cool.” 

Depending on his course work he’s in his kayak up to six times a week, as well as the gym.

Nick and Tom often carpool to the high performance whitewater course Vector Wero in Manukau.

Next year Ollie, who is 18 months younger than Tom, will join the pair studying and paddling in Waikato.

Tom said Ollie had improved a lot and it was good to see him at a higher level.

“It’s nice to be the fastest Goldsmith for a few more months.”

Despite competing in the same races, the rivalry between club members was also based in friendship, Tom said.

“Nick’s a wee bit ahead of me in terms of skills, but we are mates… and we hang out together.

“In terms of going up against Ollie… it’s good we don’t compete directly head to head.”

The next generation of Central Otago Whitewater paddlers Ollie Goldsmith (17, left) and Quinn McCutcheon (15) with their medals from the New Zealand Canoe Slalom National Championships. PHOTO: Supplied 

The paddlers thanked the parents for their riverside support including George Collier (Nick’s dad), Kira Goldsmith (Tom and Ollie’s mum) and Aimee McCutcheon (Quinn’s mum).

Read more: Ollie Goldsmith returns inspired from Europe

Read more: Gold medalist Finn Butcher returns to Dunstan High School

Read more: Nick Collier achieves top 10 finish