Windy City Downwind(s)

14th & 15th of November 2026
1 Weekend - 3 Downwinds

This year the Windy City Downwind is offering 3 times the fun over the one weekend.

With categories for surfski, foiling and Waka-Ama and the option of doing 1, 2 or 3 downwinds (2 group paddles and 1 race) there is something for everyone.

Proudly part of the Darcy Price NZ Ocean Surfski Series.

Weekend Schedule

You Decide:
Choose to do 1, 2 or 3 of the down winds on offer depending on your ability, fitness and froth factor.

8am Sat 14th - 12km Casual Downwind

7am Shuttle from Seatoun Beach
7:50am Safety Briefing
~8am Paddle from Petone Beach
~9am Arrive at Seatoun Beach

1:30pm Sat 14th - Windy City Race

11am Shuttle from Breaker Bay
11:30am Registration and Safety Checks Open
12:45pm Race briefing (compulsory)
1:30pm 1st Wave Start
1:45pm 2nd Wave Start

9am Sun 15th - 12km Casual Downwind

8am Shuttle from Seatoun Beach
8:50am Safety Briefing
~9am Paddle from Petone Beach
~10am Arrive at Seatoun Beach

Entry Information:

GET IN QUICK: We are strictly limited to 60 entries this year so don't hesitate to enter now.

Early Bird Pricing (Before 4th October):

U19 $30
Open $60
Double $120

Boat and Paddler Shuttle

Get you and your boat shuttled to the start line:

1 shuttle $30
2 shuttles $55
3 shuttles $75

Register Online

Don't miss out

Register Here

Sponsors and Supporters

A huge thanks to the sponsors and supporters who make this race possible

Major Sponsor

Element Roofing

Mike Robbers - Lowe & Co Realty

Supporting Windy City since day 1. Get to Kayak HQ for all your surfski / waka needs.

Burnsco Seaview

Effect

Metalcraft Roofing

Safety Information

We will have safety boats out on the water to support 140 paddlers.

However you need to take responsibility for yourself and provide all of your own safety equipment. There will be safety checks for all vessels before you put on. You will not be able to race with out all the appropriate safety equipment on this check list below.

YOU MUST HAVE:

Leash - You are no good if your canoe, with all your safety equipment floats away from you. Use it! It is a water start and finish so no excuse.
Cell phone – You must have a cellphone with the PredictWind Tracker App installed and enabled. Make sure it is fully charged and that you have the safety director’s number.
2nd form of comms - flare, vhf radio or PLB (NOTE whistle not acceptable this year)
Life vest - Must be worn - its no good attached to your boat
Spare paddle - Waka only.You can’t do much with a broken one or if it floats away after aflip. Ski’s and Sups are welcome to take a spare if you can, but this is not compulsory.
Bailer or Foot pump - Cockpit Ocs only. It is no fun watching your mates surf past you or have your canoe snap in half because you are too full of water. Keep it dry!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

VHF Radio - Make sure it is fully charged and set to Channel 74.
Extra clothing - Wellingtons harbor is cold in October, if you come out of your boat you will have 30mins before hypothermia kicks in.
Flare – Great to attract attention.

Everyone is required to fill in and sign their own Assessment of risk & Release of liability - Entry Form,accepting their own responsibility for being on the water on the day and acknowledging that they are competent in the conditions before them.

Course Options:

The prevelant wind in October in Wellington is Northerly - often referred to as the "Spring Northerlies" provide great innner harbour downwind conditions.