International Paddling Coach

I’m writing this from Singapore, where we’ve just taken GOLD in the V12 500m Open Women’s final. Kaiarahi Toa — 2026 World Champions. Standing on top of the world with these women is something I’ll carry forever.

I was meant to fly out straight after racing, but so many paddlers have asked for coaching that I’m staying on a little longer. If you’re here in Singapore and want to sharpen your technique, build confidence, or take your paddling to the next level, I’m opening up limited coaching sessions while I’m still in town.

Unlock your full potential through expert coaching in:
• Technique enhancement
• Ocean skills & surf awareness
• Body mechanics
• Power generation
• Endurance building
• Speed conditioning
• Strength development
• V1 & OC1 specific skills
• Sprint‑stroke conditioning

Come learn from the 2026 Open Women’s V12 World Champions – Kaiarahi Toa, and from an 8‑time world champion athlete, coach, paddler, mum, and leader. More than 23 years in waka ama, multiple world titles since 2012, and a lifetime dedicated to building strong, confident, technically sound paddlers.

Every session is tailored to the athlete or crew in front of me — your goals, your level, your pathway. Whether you’re preparing for major races, rebuilding your stroke, wanting to understand power generation, or needing clarity in timing, rhythm, and connection, we’ll break everything down so you leave with purpose and direction.

I’ve added a QR code you can scan to see my available coaching times. If you prefer, PM me and I’ll send you the full spreadsheet — feel free to share it with your club or anyone else who might benefit.

Singapore has an incredible paddling community, and I’m grateful to be here a little longer to support those who want to grow. If you’d like to book a session while I’m still in town, email me at [email protected] with your preferred date, time, and vessel.

Let’s build your technique, your confidence, and your performance — from the water up.

Thanks Manaaki Made for your incredible support throughout my paddling journey — and for travelling the globe with me through workshops, coaching, and international racing. Your gear has been with me from one side of the world to the other, and it’s become an essential part of how I move, train, and work.

I genuinely don’t know where I’d be without my Manaaki Made Paddle Bag. It’s not just a paddle bag — it’s my full travel system. Strong, protective, and designed for real athletes who live out of their gear. The wheels make it effortless to navigate airports, public transport, long travel days, and tight connections, and I can trust that my paddles and equipment arrive safely, in one piece, no matter how far I’m flying.

From Tahiti to Hong Kong, Australia to Aotearoa, this bag has carried me through every workshop, every coaching trip, and every race. Proud to represent Manaaki Made wherever I go, and grateful for the quality and care behind every product.

Check out their website for this great product

World Champions Open Women W12 500m again!!

🥇Kaiarahi Toa, Horouta Waka Hoe 🥇

Blessed and grateful to be with my team that I started my paddling journey with 14 years ago

Thanks Kaiarahi Toa

Last day in Hong Kong, hit out 7 coaching sessions, even had one paddler come back for a 2nd session that day

Can see lots of happy paddlers, thanks Adrienne Ng of South Lantau Paddle Club for making it happen.

Love what I do

Want me to come to your town, city, country. PM me today and let’s make it happen

A late post of being a tourist in Hong Kong

Didn’t even know Bruce Lee was born in USA, moved back to Hong Kong when he was a baby. Explains the statue of him there

I am currently out of the office from 12 August to 6 September.

Hong Kong – 13 to 20 August
I will be in Hong Kong delivering workshops and coaching sessions.

Singapore – 20 August to 1 September
Following Hong Kong, I will be travelling to Singapore for the World Va’a Sprint Championships. From 21 August to 1 September, my ability to respond to emails will be very limited as I will be racing and representing Aotearoa New Zealand in:
• Master 50 V1 500m
• Open Women’s V6 & V12 (Kaiarahi Toa)
• Master 40 Women’s V12 (Kopara Ma Taiwhiti)
• Master 50 Women’s V6 & V12 (Ngā Kopara)

Singapore to NZ - 1 to 6 September
I will be taking a couple of days for recovery & rest

I appreciate your patience and understanding while I focus on racing at Worlds.

There will be opportunities to watch the event via live stream, and will share more information and links on my social media pages.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support me — through my business, as an athlete, and as a coach. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement, trust, and kindness from this community.

Ngā mihi nui,
Vesna
International Paddling Coach

2026 World Va’a Sprint Championships
LIVE STREAMING — CATCH ALL THE RACES FOR FREE! 🛶🔥

From 20-29 August, watch the IVF World Sprint Championships Singapore 2026 LIVE from wherever you are! 🌍
🔗 https://youtube.com/ivfiv/streams

Also available on their partnering channels:
📡 TNTV
📡 Whakaata Māori

Wherever you are in the world, don’t miss a single stroke of the action! 🇸🇬🌊

PM me if you need the link