Will Pittar | Sport

I am a 19-year-old sprint kayaker and surf lifesaver from Gizzy and currently studying a bachelor of business at the University of Waikato in Hamilton. Since a young age I have always been in and around the water involving myself in as many sports as possible. At age 12 I became heavily involved with Surf Life Saving which involves paddling a surf ski once you become a senior. I found myself quite handy in a ski and decided to join the Poverty Bay Kayaking Club under 2x Olympic gold medalist Alan Thompson. After my first nationals in the kayak, I was selected to represent New Zealand at an international level.

Kayaking is an extremely technical sport which is why it is so attractive to me. The never-ending quest to perfect my technique along with the fitness needed is what motivates me. I am now training on Lake Karapiro with the Karapiro Performance Hub under the coaching of NZ high-performance coach, Craig Mustard.

I am a hard-working, goal-driven person who enjoys a good challenge. I’m always looking to for ways to improve in not just my sport but also as a person. As a kid, I always looked up to the older guys around as me as role models so being a role model to others is something I always look to do. Outside of my sport and studies, I enjoy spending time at the beach or lakes or going on a weekend mish with my mates.