River Ninja Rentals

What a rush!

River Ninja Rentals started out with a desire to help as many athletes as we could get on the water and have a blast at Kathmandu Coast to Coast. It genuinely feels like we have done that – it hasn’t been perfect, but we never gave up on striving to do whatever we could to help our ninja paddlers.

As hard as the decision has been to make, my wife and I have decided its time to take a step back and spend a little more time on ourselves. We didn’t want to see what we created just disappear and have been working on finding someone with as much passion for the sport to pass the paddle onto. We are very pleased to say Yuri from Flying Dutchman - Kayaks & Surf Skis has taken over kayak rental services for C2C, as well as many other training sessions or races throughout the season. We have already been working with Yuri and his team on providing some of our processes and systems to add to his own ideas and they are super excited to help you all out.

In the meantime, I’m not disappearing from the race I love. I was lucky enough to secure a Longest Day entry for 2027 and already working hard to get to the start line...and especially the finish line!

A massive thanks to Ben Park for being our first ever client and everyone who has followed since – we can’t thank you enough for trusting in us and our whole family have cheered you all on from the sidelines. There are so many special memories of all your own races and we look forward to hearing more about your paddling adventures.

See you on the start line in ‘27!

Todd & Diane

“Shall we go annoy some people”

My words to my mate after we hired all our kayaks out, had some breakfast, and headed down to the river bed. The line is completely in jest, we definitely try not to annoy, but try to assist anyone that could use a pair of hands. We love the race and love the people around it.

We gave pep talks, cracked some jokes, shared some hugs & high-fives, held boats so paddlers could get in and get settled and then sent them on their way down the ‘mak. We even gave a boat to someone who’s race was almost over before it began. We were on the river bed at the crack of dawn and didn't leave until the last boat was gone.

Alongside me was my mate David Ward. He’s been helping River Ninja Rentals since we started and there is no way I could do this without his incredible support. Even after I left him at Mt White as I headed to Gorge Bridge, he stayed behind to help the 1-dayers and safety crew where ever he could, and then headed to Gooseberry to check in there.

I took this photo the night before everyone headed to the river and I think it sums Dave up to a tee – he’s looking to see where we need to be the next day to offer a hand. Thank you Dave - you are absolutely fantastic.

Kathmandu Coast to Coast 2026 is complete, all our kayaks (well almost all, but that’s a story for another day) are back, cleaned and tucked away. As we reflect on what we have done for another season, River Ninja will be back at Coast 2027, but we aren’t sure exactly yet in what capacity. What I do know, is that Dave will be the first to be there too.

Hi paddlers – time to head to the start of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast!
We’ve got a couple of trailers full of ninja paddler weapons – please be patient with us and we promise to pull over as soon as its safe. If you are taking your own kayak over – check those straps once more, its going to be a windy drive.

I would like to make a couple of shout-outs;

- To all the guides who have helped our ninja paddlers, and all the other paddlers, get ready for the race. I have a lot to do with Topsport Kayaking and Canterbury Kayaking especially and see what they all do for their own clients and its phenomenal. Thank you on behalf of everyone.

- to Coast to Coast Training 2026 admin and contributors. this is an invaluable page and makes a big difference to those starting out with their own race.

- to my family. There is no way in the world I couldn't strive to deliver the service I want for our clients without your help and support.🫶

Safe travels everyone – the hard work is done, now its time to draw on that inner ninja and smash the whole course!!

River Closure - The Further Faster Classic River Race has a full river closure on Sunday the 14th of December 2025.

The river is closed to all recreational users from Mt White to the Gorge Bridge. This includes all jet boaters and kayakers. If you are not doing the race and want to paddle the Gorge you will have to paddle on another day. There are NO exceptions.

Please contact Kate on 021 51 61 75 if you require any further information or clarification.

Looking for another great event to add to you bucket list or use to test how your training is going, join us in Wanaka for the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Multi in October. We have plenty of kayaks available and space on the trailer for more - we'd love to assist more athletes take on this amazing event in one of the most stunning locations! https://www.riverninja.co.nz/contact-us

Couldn't get to the Topsport Kayaking race this morning...managed to take a look at some of the action on the Outdoor Access web cam. Congrats to all for braving the winter conditions!

Reminder for the Topsport Kayaking Pro-Am race # two tomorrow...its gonna be a cold one so wrap up warm. At the finish line, look out for the team from Flow Kayaks to check out their range of kayaks and take one for a spin!

What a fantastic opportunity for anyone new to the sport - these sessions will give you the perfect start!

If you are planning on doing a Grade II course and/or the Kathmandu Coast then you need to know how to kayak!
This short session will boost your preparation for any future kayaking sessions, especially prior to any 'Grade 2 Courses'

During this quality 1.5 hour group session we will cover:

What paddle is best for you (including size, length and offset)

What boat is best for you

Basic paddling technique and drills

How to set up a kayak for comfort, footpeg distance and steering

How much training you should be doing, and where you can do it.

After this session you will be in significantly better position to get out on the water, with the correct gear and plan to have the best experience in your kayaking future.

Location: Arawa Canoe Club, Christchurch

Time: 1pm

Dates: 8th or 15th March

Duration 1.5 hours (please arrive 5mins early)

Spaces: Max 6 people per group