MEET OUR ATHLETES PARTNERS.

At Flow Kayaks, our Athlete Partner Programme is about more than just sponsorship; it’s about building lasting relationships with individuals who embody the spirit of perseverance, high performance, and personal growth. We proudly partner with athletes who are not only dedicated to excelling in their sport but are also committed to sharing their journeys of resilience, self-improvement, and endurance with the world. These athletes continuously push themselves to enhance their paddling, character, and mental toughness, inspiring others through their competitive drive and passion for progress. Together, we aim to support and celebrate those who are never finished striving for greatness, both on and off the water.

Have a read and be inspired like we are!

Sonja Vreugdenhil

HAKATERE ASHBURTON, NEW ZEALAND

  • Sonja is a passionate multisport athlete who first got into paddling when her partner signed up for the Coast to Coast. Driven by her competitive nature, she embraced the challenge head-on, despite her initial fear of water.

    Over time, she conquered her anxieties and found her strength on the river, even securing second place in the novice category at the Further Faster Classic 2023.

    Known for her relentless drive and determination, Sonja is constantly pushing her limits, not just to improve herself but to overcome her deepest fears. Her proudest achievement to date is winning the 2-Day Individual Coast to Coast on her first attempt, showing her tenacity and skill in the face of adversity.

    Outside of paddling, Sonja balances full-time work and farming with her love for running, biking, and spending time outdoors.

    Her partnership with Flow Kayaks gives her the equipment and support she needs to excel, with her custom Rockstar kayak helping her stay comfortable and perform at her best on race day. As she sets her sights on future challenges, including the Longest Day 2025, Sonja continues to inspire others to face her fears and pursue their goals with confidence.

  • Rockstar

    VE HybriD

    When asked why she chose a VE Rockstar, she says, "I have an affinity for finding rocks in the river, so having something bulletproof like the VE Hybrid keeps me up and running."

    Customisations:

    White Body

    Dark Blue Nose, Seam Tape and Components

    Standard Seat

    Full Footplate

    Hydration System

    What inspired the aesthetic of your kayak? 

    I like things to look pretty. I originally wanted pink but went with the white with blue detailing because it will stand out and mean I can find it on race day

    MS1 Paddle - Clear Carbon

  • What advice would you give to someone just starting their paddling journey?

                Get stuck in. One of the best things you can do is get your grade 2, this gave me a lot of confidence is a safe environment and helped with my flatwater paddling. Finding a coach or having a couple of technique lessons can also help to make you more efficient in the water. If in doubt ask for help!

    How do you balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete?

    I love being an athlete, I love the grind and the progression. The hardest thing for me is finding time to do everything, its a lot to balance to be able to do everything. Plus training can be very mentally fatiguing, I still have to turn up to work and be able to do my job because that is what pays the bills. By Monday when I get my rest day, my body is physically very tired. Being physically tired is easier for me than being mentally tired. Physical tired means I walk slower but being mentally tired clouds my judgement and makes me function slower.

    Mentally, one of the hardest things for me balancing everything is to be confident in what I am doing and setting out to achieve. I am not an overly confident person, it is something that I have been working on to have internal confidence in my abilities. I surround myself with people who have unconditional support for me. Having these people around me really helps with my confidence.

Josie O’Grady

WĀNAKA, NEW ZEALAND

  • Josie began her paddling journey after moving to Wānaka in 2020, captivated by the beauty and serenity of the lake. Initially testing the waters with casual kayaking, she was inspired by watching her brother complete the Coast to Coast 10 years ago and has since built up her skills and confidence on the water.

    A memorable moment early in her paddling career was being encouraged by a fellow wahine during the Southern Lakes Multisport Winter Series, leaving her impressed by the strength and camaraderie of the paddling community.

    Training six days a week, Josie balances her regimen with recovery runs and relaxed biking alongside more intensive sessions that often include kayaking and longer endurance workouts. She is motivated by her personal journey to improve fitness and wellbeing, working with a nutritionist to ensure she is fuelling her body correctly.

    Kayaking has helped her improve core strength, posture, and overall fitness, which benefits both her athletic performance and daily life. Her connection with Flow Kayaks began through her multisport coach, who introduced her to the Aspire kayak. The speed and stability it offered made it the perfect choice for events like the Coast to Coast. She loves how Flow Kayaks prioritizes performance and durability, allowing her to focus on her races without worrying about her equipment.

    Proud of her athletic transformation, she has gone from struggling with short runs to completing the Routeburn Classic, a 32km trail run, and is now preparing for the Coast to Coast 2025. In her downtime, she enjoys hiking, skiing, biking, and spending time outdoors in Wānaka. Her dream is to paddle the Abel Tasman, a stunning local spot she’s eager to explore more thoroughly.

  • Aspire

    VE HybriD

    When asked why she chose a VE Aspire, she says, "The VE Hybrid combines all the best things from Flow Kayaks - speed, stability, agility and durability. It was an easy choice for me to allow me to continue to excel in the sport I love!"

    Customisations:

    Pink Body, Seam tape, and Rudder

    Black Nose, Coaming and Seat

    Standard Seat

    Full Footplate

    Hydration System

    What inspired the aesthetic of your kayak? 

    I went BRIGHT. I love how it captures peoples attention and gets people interested/taking. There are so many people that like the idea of kayaking but haven't had the chance to give it a go - I think the pink is a bit of a conversation starter! Lake Wānaka can also be VERY busy! So it's good to be seen both on and off the water.

    MS1 Paddle - Clear Carbon

  • What advice would you give to someone just starting their paddling journey?

    Don’t be afraid to give it a go, everyone’s got to start somewhere! There are plenty of paddlers out there who are happy to help out, get talking and start trying a few boats to see what suits!

    How do you balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete?

    There are always going to be ups and downs! I try to focus on doing the simple things well - food, rest, social - to allow the battery to be full for training. When I find myself getting a bit stressed I try to be easy on myself and allow myself some time to pull back and re-assess the balance - for me personally its a long game, and I think without balance it wouldn’t be possible!

BEN LEECH

ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

  • Ben Leech began paddling with the goal of completing the Coast to Coast, a race that had long been on his mind. His journey into paddling saw him overcoming early challenges, like navigating moving water for the first time and nearly crashing into a willow tree. This initial experience shaped his approach to the sport and fueled his desire to improve.

    Balancing a busy schedule, Ben fits his training around his workday, whether it's early in the morning, during lunch, or after work. His motivation comes from the constant drive to push his body to the limit and continually enhance his skills. For Ben, paddling not only plays a key role in his fitness routine but also strengthens his endurance and overall physical capabilities.

    Having started with a Flow Kayak, Ben knew exactly where to turn when it was time to upgrade. His current Rockstar kayak offers him the perfect balance of speed and stability as he works towards mastering the sport, with hopes of eventually stepping up to the Rush. The VE Hybrid has proven to be the ideal vessel for him, combining durability with lightweight performance—features essential for both training and racing.

    Ben's proudest athletic achievement goes back to his high school days, winning the 2-Day 3-Person Teams event, and now he's focused on his next big challenge: the Coast to Coast 2-Day race. Beyond paddling, Ben's other passion is motorsport, where he enjoys rallying and racing grass karts.

  • ROCKSTAR

    VE HybriD

    When asked why he chose a VE Rockstar, he says, "The rockstar was a good step up for me from my Aspire. It has got plenty of speed but is still stable and is a perfect stepping stone into hopefully a rush one day soon."

    Why the VE HybriD?

    "The VE Hybrid is awesome because it's so strong and tough yet light in weight. It's hard to find a boat that is durable and light all in one!"

    Customisations:

    White Body.

    Dark Blue Nose, Seam Tape, Seat, Coaming and Rudder

    Standard Seat

    Hydration System

    Protection Kit

    What inspired the aesthetic of your kayak? 

    "Nothing really, just wanted to keep it simple but be noticeable"

  • What advice would you give to someone just starting their paddling journey?

    Just go out and have some fun there so many supportive and friendly people in our sport its awesome

    How do you balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete?

    I struggle with this a bit, but always looking at the long term goals helps me get through the tough days

SARAH JENKINS

ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

  • Sarah began her paddling journey after a guided trip with Sam Manson, who quickly became her coach and a huge inspiration for her progress in the sport.

    Although her first experience with kayaking in 2017 didn’t go well—she didn’t even make it off the jetty—Sarah persevered, eventually improving her skills and building confidence on the water. Reflecting on how far she has come, she now finds humor in her early struggles.

    Her training routine is demanding, with 2-3 hours of training each day, often split between early mornings and evenings after a full day at the office. Paddling is a crucial part of her training, making up about a third of her sessions as she prepares for key events like the Coast to Coast.

    Sarah stays motivated by her love for the process and the continual improvements she sees year after year.

    Sarah chose Flow Kayaks out of curiosity and was drawn to the ability to customize the Sharp 6 to fit her specific needs. Confident in Flow’s focus on performance and durability, she knows her kayak can withstand the challenging conditions of races like those on the Waimakariri River.

    While Sarah is proud of many achievements, she’s most stoked about her consistent improvement over time. Exciting races like the Motu Challenge, 5 Passes, Kepler, and Coast to Coast are on her calendar in the coming months.

    Beyond training, Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, and enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities including running, cycling, and mountain biking. Her dream paddling destination would be Antarctica, to experience the cold and encounter wildlife in a unique setting.

  • SHARP 6

    VE Racelite

    When asked why he chose a VE Sharp 6, she says, "Compared with other Flow models the smaller cockpit on the Sharp 6 suited me well. "

    Why the VE Racelite?

    "...this is a relatively new product to be used on kayaks meant to be significantly stronger than other resins. I'm excited to see how durable the boat will be. 

    Customisations:

    Dark Blue Grey (Custom Colour) Body, Seam Tape,

    Seat, Coaming and Rudder

    Black nose

    Standard Seat

    Hydration System

    Protection Kit

    What inspired the aesthetic of your kayak? 

    "I've always gone for sleek and a bit stealth-like in previous boats and bikes (they've always been black). The dark blue grey was something a little different but still a bit stealthy. "

  • What advice would you give to someone just starting their paddling journey?

    "Don't give up! Practice, practice, practice."

    How do you balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete?

    "Balance? What even is balance?"

ELLA JULIAN

WHAKATANE / WĀNAKA, NEW ZEALAND

  • Ella’s paddling journey started with a natural love for being in and on the water, influenced by her dad, a lifelong paddler. Growing up, she enjoyed casual paddling in various crafts for fun, but her competitive streak kicked in during high school when she began training for multisport events and surf life-saving races.

    A significant inspiration for Ella has been watching her parents and other athletes like Sam Clark and Corrine Smit tackle impressive challenges, motivating her to tick off many of the events her younger self dreamed of. Now, she competes in endurance races like the Coast to Coast, where paddling plays a vital role in her overall fitness and upper body strength, despite managing a spine condition that adds an extra challenge to her performance.

    Her connection with Flow Kayaks comes from appreciating the stability and comfort of the Rockstar kayak, a relief during long races where she doesn’t have to worry about falling out. The VE Hybrid’s durability ensures her equipment matches her high-performance needs.

    Ella’s proudest achievement is winning the under-23 elite category in the 2024 Coast to Coast, despite limited training time due to her busy schedule on the family orchard. With major races like the Motu Challenge and Coast to Coast 2025 on the horizon, she’s excited to continue competing alongside top athletes.

    Ella balances her athletic life by prioritizing time with family, maintaining an active lifestyle that includes everything from skiing and mountain biking to surfing and golf.

  • Rockstar

    VE HybriD

    When asked why he chose a VE Rockstar, she says, "Before my rockstar I had been paddling a evo edge which is a less stable boat in comparison to the rockstar. I choose to go with the rockstar as I find it a very comfortable and extremely stable boat. Knowing I am so so stable and never have to worry about the possibility of falling out is a huge mental relief."

    Why the VE HybriD?

    "The VE Hybrid is heartier all round while still being a high performance model. It will last longer and damage less easy which is hard to beat."

    Customisations:

    White body

    Crimson Nose, coaming, Seat, and rudder

    Standard Seat

    Hydration System

    Protection Kit

    What inspired the aesthetic of your kayak? 

    "There is not to much behind the aesthetic of my kayak. i went with white and red as my colours simply because I think they go well together and they create a nice simple, clean look. "

  • What advice would you give to someone just starting their paddling journey?

    "Keep it fun and enjoyable. Make sure you start out in a comfortable boat that you are stable in as swimming is never fun."

    How do you balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete?

    " I put a big focus on ensuring I maintain a good balance between friends family training and being a 20 year old.  I will often tailor my training program to ensure my rest day falls on days I want to be able to go do something with friends or family.  Rest is also extremely important for both your  mental and physical wellbeing. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 14 which means I have to be extra careful of the load I’m putting on my body. Earlier this year I pushed it to far which resulted in Torticollis in my neck, trying to protect my spinal cord from being damaged. This meant I had to take two months off training. It can be super frustrating at times when I feel like I am managing with my training load just fine and then I have to have a day or two of rest purely for my spine but I guess the main thing is getting to the starting line of my events in one piece and also the fact that my body is still allowing me to even continue in this sport."

Jesse Whitehead

ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

  • About Jesse Whitehead – Flow Kayaks Athlete Partner

    Meet Jesse Whitehead, a competitive paddler and endurance athlete whose journey into paddling began with the iconic Coast to Coast race. Driven by a natural competitiveness, Jesse’s passion for multisport has taken him from memorable days at Awastone on the Rangitikei River to representing New Zealand in the Stihl Timbersports in Sweden.

    When it comes to training, Jesse keeps a balanced routine of weekday sessions and longer weekend efforts, focusing on building the paddle fitness and core strength that are essential for success in events like the Coast to Coast. His motivation? The thrill of competition and a determination to keep pushing his limits.

    Jesse’s connection with Flow Kayaks stems from years of admiring the brand’s fast, reliable boats. After mastering the Rockstar, he’s now paddling a Rush VE Hybrid, valuing its durability and performance, perfectly suited to his “cowboy” nature. As Jesse puts it, "Nobody likes a horror story on race day, and Flow Kayaks are boats you can rely on."

    Beyond paddling, Jesse spends his time in the hills hunting venison, competing in wood chopping events, and building furniture. Whether it’s pushing through Goat Pass or carving out time for his other passions, Jesse embodies the resilience and versatility of a true multisport athlete.

    With his eyes set on conquering the Longest Day, Jesse is a dedicated athlete whose grit and love for adventure make him an invaluable part of the Flow Kayaks family.

  • Rush

    VE HybriD

    When asked why he chose a VE Rush he says, "After owning arguably one of the fastest Rockstars around for a few season, I thought it was time to jump in a Rush.” 

    Why the VE HybriD?

    "I’m a bit of a cowboy so wanted something good and strong. “

    Customisations:

    Black body

    Red Nose, tail, clear carbon coaming & seat, and black rudder

    Wide Seat

    Hydration System

    Protection Kit

    What inspired the aesthetic of your kayak? 

    "A few have joked it’s great to see I’m supporting Canterbury, that’s not the case at all I just thought the black and red would look good."

    We agree Jesse

  • What advice would you give to someone just starting their paddling journey?

    “ Pick the right boat and spend as much time in it as possible.”

    How do you balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete?

    " For me it’s definitely listening to the body, knowing when you need to rest and knowing when to get your butt out the door and train.” 

Rachel Baker

NELSON, NEW ZEALAND

  • Meet Rachel Baker, a passionate paddler and multisport athlete whose journey into kayaking began with a love for rowing in high school. Inspired by the challenge of her first multisport race at 3D Rotorua, Rachel quickly transitioned into paddling, honing her skills at the Mana Kayaking Club. Despite the early tumbles of learning to paddle a K1, Rachel’s determination to master the craft led her to embrace multisport, packrafting, and whitewater kayaking, where each discipline continues to enhance her technique and adventure spirit.

    Rachel’s life as an outdoor instructor means no two weeks are the same. She balances a demanding schedule with a commitment to training, staying motivated by focusing on consistency, her teammates, and the thrill of chasing new goals. For Rachel, paddling is more than just a race discipline—it’s an integral part of her fitness routine, building strength and endurance while connecting her to nature.

    Her connection to Flow Kayaks is deeply personal—Chris was Rachel’s first multisport coach, and their enduring friendship makes being part of the Flow team especially meaningful.

    Beyond paddling, Rachel’s adventures take her into the mountains, where she loves tramping, mountain biking, and exploring new trails. Her proudest achievements include completing the full course of GODZone Pure Traverse 2022 and winning the 48-hour Kaikoura Adventure Race.

    Next on her list? A third crack at the Coast to Coast Longest Day and the True West Adventure Race in Haast.

  • ROCKSTAR

    VE CROSS

    She chooses the Rockstar VE Hybrid for its perfect balance of speed, stability, and durability. "The Rockstar gives me confidence in all conditions, whether it’s training in Nelson Harbour or racing the Waimakariri River,” Rachel says.

    Why the VE HybriD?

    “…the VE Cross’ durable hull lets me tackle the shallow sections with ease.”

    Customisations:

    Ultramarine Deck

    White Hull

    Pink seam tape and decals

    Pink coaming, seat, and rudder

    Standard Seat

    Hydration System

    Protection Kit

    What inspired the aesthetic of your kayak? 

    " I love bold colours so I was drawn to the ultramarine and telemagenta. It was then how to put the two colours together to have the wow factor. I stuck with a white hull to prevent scratches from the river showing up.”

  • What advice would you give to someone just starting their paddling journey?

    “Start by focusing on developing kayaking technique and the fitness will come over time. Spend time on a river learning how to read the flow and develop confidence in your river paddling skills.”

    How do you balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete?

    " It can be difficult trying to balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete along with working. Sometimes I find that it is about doing the little self-care things that help. For me that is trying to find little blocks of time to rest, relax and hang out on the couch. My mental health is heavily linked to time spent outdoors in nature so finding ways to incorporate this into my life is important. Rest is an important part of being an athlete and it is good for the physical and mental. My challenge is that my rest day are generally week days when I am at work so can often be busy and physical too.” 

Alice Mullins

ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

  • Meet Alice Mullins, a dedicated multisport athlete whose paddling journey began in 2007 when she supported her dad in the Coast to Coast race. Inspired by the incredible atmosphere and her father’s determination, Alice knew she’d one day take on the Coast to Coast herself. That experience sparked a passion for paddling that has carried her through years of training, racing, and adventure.

    Alice’s approach to training is both consistent and adventurous. A typical day includes a strength workout or Zwift session in the morning, followed by running, cycling, or kayaking after work. Weekends are reserved for longer sessions, often on the Coast to Coast course, where she hones her technique and endurance. Despite the challenges of balancing work, training, and life, Alice thrives on the excitement of pushing her limits. “As long as I’m enjoying it and having fun, I may as well keep at it!” she says.

    Her connection with Flow Kayaks began during her first Coast to Coast season when she met Chris, who taught her some of her first kayaking skills.

    Beyond paddling, Alice loves mountain biking, water skiing, and exploring the outdoors with family and friends. Her proudest achievements include cracking the top 10 in the Coast to Coast Longest Day two years in a row and competing in adventure racing events in China. This season, she’s focused on the Coast to Coast, followed by the Volcanic Epic MTB race and the Kaikoura Adventure Race.

    With her drive, positivity, and love for adventure, Alice embodies the essence of Flow Kayaks—always striving for excellence while embracing the joy of paddling. We’re thrilled to have her on board as part of the Flow family.

  • ROCKSTAR

    VE RACELITE

    Why did you choose a Rockstar over other kayaks? 

    “I’ve always been a big fan of the RockStar, and I was lucky to have friends who paddled them and let me try it out. I’ll never forget paddling down the Clutha, pulling out my phone mid-rapids to take a video. My mate laughed and said, “Alice, if you’re filming in the middle of rapids, you’re way too comfortable in that boat!” That sealed the deal for me—within a month, I’d bought my first second-hand Rockstar!”

    Why the VE Racelite?

    “I’m all about keeping up with the latest technology and if this is the latest work from Flow in performance and durability, i’m all about it!”

    Customisations:

    Black Body

    Pink Nose & Tail

    Pink coaming, seat, and rudder

    Standard Seat

    Hydration System

    Protection Kit

    What inspired the aesthetic of your kayak? 

    " My mountain bike, actually! Love a bit of pink, makes everything a bit more fun!”

  • What advice would you give to someone just starting their paddling journey?

    “It gets easier and becomes more fun! Spend time on the water, build your confidence, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.”

    How do you balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete?

    " It can be difficult trying to balance the mental and physical challenges of being an endurance athlete along with working. Sometimes I find that it is about doing the little self-care things that help. For me that is trying to find little blocks of time to rest, relax and hang out on the couch. My mental health is heavily linked to time spent outdoors in nature so finding ways to incorporate this into my life is important. Rest is an important part of being an athlete and it is good for the physical and mental. My challenge is that my rest day are generally week days when I am at work so can often be busy and physical too.”