The Slow Paddle - Kayaking 1,000km for Mental Health and the Ocean

In the summer of 2026, Isaac & Abigail will be kayaking close to 1,000 km down the east coast of Aotearoa - from Cape Reinga to Tauranga.

We’re travelling slowly and self-supported, letting the conditions shape each day. There’s no record to chase and no finish line to rush towards. The journey is about slowing down, paying attention, and reconnecting - with ourselves, with the ocean, and with the places we move through.

Both of us have experienced periods where life felt overwhelming, and where our mental health needed care and attention. During those times, being outdoors - especially on the water - helped us find moments of calm in the noise. Space to breathe, reset and keep going.

The Slow Paddle has grown out of that experience.

As we travel along the coast, we’re raising funds for two organisations doing vital work across Aotearoa:

👉 Lifeline, providing free mental health phone and text support to people who need someone to talk to

👉 Sustainable Coastlines, working to reduce plastic pollution and protect our coastlines and oceans

Every donation goes directly to these charities and you will get a tax-deductile reciept.

For daily updates, follow our journey in the Community --> www.slowpaddle.nz

To get in touch about brand sponsorship, matching donation or any other ways you'd love to support our journey and fundraiser, please reach out at isaacandabigail@gmail.com

Thank you for being here, and for supporting this kaupapa.