Entry numbers in the National Waka Ama Sprint championships this week in Waikato, are the most ever.
In all: 1461 crews from 54 clubs are competing for the national sprint title and 2800 paddlers will compete in various boat classes.
The Waka Ama championships involve paddlers working as a team over distances of 500 metres, 1500 metres and 30km - 75km.
There will also be national honours for one, six and twelve paddler teams over a range of distances.
The 25th championships on Lake Karapiro are from Monday until Saturday.